gradual

1 of 2

adjective

grad·​u·​al ˈgra-jə-wəl How to pronounce gradual (audio)
-jəl,
ˈgraj-wəl
1
: moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees
2
: proceeding by steps or degrees
gradually adverb
gradualness noun

gradual

2 of 2

noun

often capitalized
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

Examples of gradual in a Sentence

Adjective We noticed a gradual change in temperature. The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
The gradual uptick in Social Security’s full retirement age is done, with no more changes planned. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 23 May 2025 For a more gradual route to the top, many favor Trillium Gap Trail. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 21 May 2025 In the January 2025 study, several participants described this gradual loss of self. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 That is why, for all the talk of free midweeks or gradual rebuilds, winning on Wednesday night is vital for the Amorim project. Mark Critchley, New York Times, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for gradual

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduale, from Latin gradus step; from its being sung on the steps of the altar

First Known Use

Adjective

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gradual was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Gradual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gradual. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

gradual

adjective
grad·​u·​al
ˈgraj-(ə-)wəl,
ˈgraj-əl
1
: proceeding by steps or degrees
2
: moving or changing by slight degrees
gradually adverb
gradualness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gradual

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