gradual

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noun, often capitalized grad·u·al \ ˈgra-jə-wəl , -jəl , ˈgraj-wəl \

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

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

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gradual

adjective

Definition of gradual

1 :proceeding by steps or degrees

2 :moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees

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gradually

adverb

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gradualness

noun

See gradual defined for English-language learners

See gradual defined for kids

Examples 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

Say this for the Royals, though: At least there was nothing subtle or gradual about a stretch that appears to have relegated any reasonable postseason hopes to salvaging a wild-card berth.

— vahe gregorian, kansascity, "Drooping Royals extend slapstick scoreless streak," 28 Aug. 2017
Winners who take a gradual payout stand to get more money spread out over several decades.

— Bloomberg.com, "Massachusetts Hospital Worker Claims Record Lottery Jackpot," 24 Aug. 2017
Trafton said the children were called back from their play every few minutes to see the gradual changes as the moon covered more of the sun.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "Excited Harford County residents gather to view Monday's solar eclipse," 22 Aug. 2017
Meanwhile, the president’s approval ratings have remained stagnant, with some signs of gradual deterioration.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "The Mess in Washington Could Soon Drive Republicans Into Rebellion Against Trump," 2 Aug. 2017
For years, CFS had been dismissed as a psychological disorder, and some physicians advocated treating it primarily with psychotherapy or a gradual increase in physical activity.

— giorgia guglielmi, Science | AAAS, "More clues link immune system imbalance with chronic fatigue syndrome," 31 July 2017
This announcement reverses the gradual transformation of the military beginning under the Obama administration.

— veronica hilbring, Essence.com, "Donald Trump Says Transgender People Will Not Be Allowed To Serve In US Military," 26 July 2017
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. David Westerdahl said the team shies away from old methods of CT scans or MRIs and tries to get athletes moving at a gradual pace.

— samantha j. gross, miamiherald, "Cannabis and goggles — the latest in concussion treatments and research," 23 July 2017
Many states — including Illinois — have seen a gradual erosion in officiating numbers.

— steve reaven, chicagotribune.com, "As officials leave the field, IHSA emphasizes recruitment, retention," 18 July 2017

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

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First Known Use: 1658

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gradual Synonyms

Synonyms

gradational, incremental, phased, piecemeal, step-by-step

Antonyms

abrupt, sudden

Related Words

progressive, stepped, tapered; imperceptible, inching; decrescent, increscent

Near Antonyms

discontinuous, saltatory; acute, sharp; changeable, dynamic, meteoric, volatile

GRADUAL Defined for English Language Learners

gradual

adjective

Definition of gradual for English Language Learners

: moving or changing in small amounts : happening in a slow way over a long period of time
: not steep

GRADUAL Defined for Kids

gradual

play

adjective grad·u·al \ ˈgra-jə-wəl \

Definition of gradual for Students

:moving or happening by steps or degrees We watched the gradual approach of the train.

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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.