gradualism

American  

[graj-oo-uh-liz-uhm] / ˈgrædʒ u əˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. the principle or policy of achieving some goal by gradual steps rather than by drastic change.

2. Philosophy. a theory maintaining that two seemingly conflicting notions are not radically opposed, but are related by others partaking in varying degrees of the character of both.

3. Biology. a tenet in evolutionary theory maintaining that species evolve slowly and continuously over long periods of geological time.

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gradualism British  

/ ˈɡrædjʊəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the policy of seeking to change something or achieve a goal gradually rather than quickly or violently, esp in politics

2. the theory that explains major changes in rock strata, fossils, etc in terms of gradual evolutionary processes rather than sudden violent catastrophes Compare catastrophism

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gradualism Scientific  

/ grăj′o̅o̅-ə-lĭz′əm /

1. The theory that new species evolve from existing species through gradual, often imperceptible changes rather than through abrupt, major changes. The small changes are believed to result in perceptible changes over long periods of time.

2. Compare punctuated equilibrium

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gradualism Cultural  

1. The belief that changes in the Earth, such as the development of species, have taken place slowly, without sudden and violent transitions. (Compare punctuated equilibrium and catastrophism.)

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• gradualistic
  adjective
• gradualist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of gradualism

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; gradual + -ism

Compare meaning

How does gradualism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• gradualism vs. punctuated equilibrium

Example Sentences

"In their minds, I imagine avoiding a 'decisive end' would be preferable. Gradualism, if possible, is their preference."

From Reuters • Nov. 2, 2023

"Gradualism means that we will move carefully and adjust our policy as we receive feedback on our actions," she said.

From Reuters • Mar. 30, 2022

Gradualism expresses a concept that Darwin adopted from his geologist friends.

From Scientific American • Sep. 16, 2019

Gradualism doomed the effectiveness of air power in the “Rolling Thunder” air campaign from 1965 to 1968 during the Vietnam War.

From Washington Post • Jun. 5, 2015

A few deemed that ground too radical and revolutionary, and were for ranging themselves under the banner of Gradualism, thinking to draw to their ranks a class of people, who would be repelled by Immediatism.

From William Lloyd Garrison The Abolitionist by Grimké, Archibald Henry