gradual

[graj-oo-uhl]

adjective

1. taking place, changing, moving, etc., by small degrees or little by little.

   gradual improvement in health.

   Antonyms: sudden

2. rising or descending at an even, moderate inclination.

   a gradual slope.

   Synonyms: gentle
   Antonyms: precipitous

noun

1. Ecclesiastical.

   1. an antiphon sung between the Epistle and the Gospel in the Eucharistic service.

   2. a book containing the words and music of the parts of the liturgy that are sung by the choir.

gradual

/ ˈɡrædjʊəl /

adjective

1. occurring, developing, moving, etc, in small stages

   a gradual improvement in health

2. not steep or abrupt

   a gradual slope

noun

1. (often capital) Christianity

   1. an antiphon or group of several antiphons, usually from the Psalms, sung or recited immediately after the epistle at Mass

   2. a book of plainsong containing the words and music of the parts of the Mass that are sung by the cantors and choir

Other Word Forms

• gradually adverb
• gradualness noun
• ungradual adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gradual¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduālis “pertaining to steps,” graduāle the part of the service sung as the choir stood on the altar steps, equivalent to Latin gradu(s) “step,” + -ālis adjective suffix; grade, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of gradual¹

C16: from Medieval Latin graduālis relating to steps, from Latin gradus a step

Synonym Study

See slow.

Example Sentences

The terrain was gradual in its ascent and once I reached Quail Valley and Middle Ranch, the recently graded road was fast hardpack that allowed for cranking away the miles.

From Los Angeles Times

Snapchat has not yet said how much storage plans would cost in the UK - only that they are part of a "gradual global rollout".

From BBC

That change is a gradual process, one which Bellamy himself says is still ongoing, and his first foray into coaching at Cardiff's academy was a lesson.

From BBC

Though new signings have arrived - around £100m net was spent in the summer - this has been a relatively gradual build as supporter Charlotte Robson explained.

From BBC

He pitched only one inning in his first two outings, two innings in the pair after that, and continued a slow, gradual buildup over the ensuing weeks.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• continuous 
• creeping 
• piecemeal 
• progressive 
• slow 
• steady 
• step-by-step