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

• gradualist
  noun
• gradualistic
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of gradualism

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

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Compare meaning

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

• gradualism vs. punctuated equilibrium

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

gradualism

Daly said the second scenario could require more than small quarter-point adjustments and a departure from the gradualism that the Fed has traditionally used to feel its way through an uncertain economy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

During his victory speech on Sunday night, Milei said that “Argentina’s situation is critical. The changes our country needs are drastic. There is no room for gradualism, no room for lukewarm measures.”

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 22, 2023

That gradualism is what Hernandez is banking on.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 7, 2022

"In the current conditions of high uncertainty, we will maintain optionality, gradualism and flexibility in the conduct of monetary policy," she told the International Monetary and Financial Committee.

From Reuters ● Apr. 21, 2022

To admit the principle of gradualism was for Abolition to emasculate itself of its most virile quality.

From William Lloyd Garrison The Abolitionist by Archibald Henry Grimké

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