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
First Known Use: 15th century
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.
Origin and Etymology of gradual
Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus
First Known Use: 1658
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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