Definition of gradual
1 : a book containing the choral parts of the Mass
2 : a pair of verses (as from the Psalms) proper after the Epistle in the Mass
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Origin and Etymology of gradual
Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduale, from Latin gradus step; from its being sung on the steps of the altar
gradual
Definition of gradual
1 : proceeding by steps or degrees
2 : moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees
gradually
adverbgradualness
nounExamples of gradual in a Sentence
We noticed a gradual change in temperature.
The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care.
Recent Examples of gradual from the Web
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Many states — including Illinois — have seen a gradual erosion in officiating numbers.
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The hurricane center said some gradual development will be possible with this system and gave it a 40 percent chance of becoming a tropical depression within the next five days.
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Forecasters are beginning to talk about peak gas demand, spurred by the growth of alternative power supplies, in the same breath as peak oil consumption, caused by the gradual demise of the internal combustion engine.
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While the phasing out is more gradual than the House bill, The Washington Post reported that the cuts to the health care program for low-income people would be deeper.
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On Thursday, the Dow closed at a record high after Fed Chair Janet Yellen testified that interest rate hikes will be gradual and that the central bank probably won’t raise rates much further.
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On Thursday, the Dow closed at a record high after Fed Chair Janet Yellen testified that interest rate hikes will be gradual and that the central bank probably won’t raise rates much further.
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Instead, the gradual deciphering of materials over time will continue to advance our knowledge and understanding of these problematic manuscripts.
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Board President Thomas Ace said he was persuaded by the consultant's presentation that the district can fund the improvements through gradual increases.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gradual.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of gradual
Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus
GRADUAL Defined for English Language Learners
gradual
Definition of gradual for English Language Learners
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: moving or changing in small amounts : happening in a slow way over a long period of time
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: not steep
GRADUAL Defined for Kids
gradual
playDefinition of gradual for Students
: moving or happening by steps or degrees We watched the gradual approach of the train.
gradually
adverb Rain gradually ended.Word Root of gradual
The Latin word gradus, meaning “step” or “degree,” gives us the root grad. Words from the Latin gradus have something to do with steps. Anything gradual happens slowly one step at a time. To degrade is to reduce from a higher to a lower degree. A grade is a step in school made up of one year of work. Even the word degree itself has gradus as its root.
Learn More about gradual
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for gradual Spanish Central: Translation of gradual Nglish: Translation of gradual for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of gradual for Arabic speakers
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