by degrees

Idioms  

1. Gradually, by successive steps or stages. For example, By degrees he began to delegate more and more of his duties to his staff. [Mid-1500s] Also see by inches.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

by degrees

That may have something to do with Canada’s peculiar history, which involved gaining independence from Britain only gradually and by degrees over the course of 300 years.

From Salon ● Aug. 31, 2026

These were all private-sphere relationships defined by degrees of dominance and subordination.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

Sir Geoffrey said: "Both government and the BBC should seriously think about how the World Service's influence can be bolstered around the world, rather than risk its reach withering by degrees year on year."

From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2026

Even after the Nazis invade Poland, halfway through the opening episode, things advance by degrees, so that the next worst thing can’t quite be imagined, and once imagined really believed.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 28, 2024

I’ve got guts, Jerry murmured, getting up by degrees, careful not to displace any of his bones or sinews.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier