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. (often initial capital letter)
   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

Derived Forms

• ˈgradually, adverb
• ˈgradualness, noun

Other Words From

• grad·u·al·ly adverb
• grad·u·al·ness noun
• un·grad·u·al 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

It seemed the plan was to slowly capture market share with a gradual introduction of new features across its platform.

From Search Engine Watch

Its gradual eradication meant ending the needless suffering and death of millions and millions of people every year.

From Vox

By Wednesday, we start clearing out and begin a gradual warming trend until another shot of cold air by Saturday.

From Washington Post

In October 2019, five weeks after finishing the AT, a doctor rechecked an X-ray of my left foot and cleared me for a gradual return to running.

From Outside Online

This has been a gradual, maybe too gradual, transition for our industry.

From Vox

Utilizing fear, or taking a reasoned approach to gradual, incremental change?

From The Daily Beast

Now 88 senators are urging the Obama administration to take a very different approach to the group: gradual regime change.

From The Daily Beast

Tshering is in favor of growth, he says, but a “gradual one and spread throughout the year.”

From The Daily Beast

It also traces his days as a juvenile delinquent, and gradual rise up the R&B charts.

From The Daily Beast

That sounds small, but the buildup of Hezbollah forces in Syria was gradual, too.

From The Daily Beast

The occupants of the room had been too absorbed with their own affairs to notice the gradual dimming of the illumination.

From Project Gutenberg

His departure in autumn had been so gradual, that it was difficult to say when night began to overcome the day.

From Project Gutenberg

John Baptiste Robinet taught the gradual development of all forms of existence from a single creative cause.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not exactly so, but is still very different to the gradual swell on the other Cremona instruments.

From Project Gutenberg

That at some period of Man's gradual evolution from the brute, God found Man guilty of some sin, and cursed him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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