gradual

American  

[graj-oo-uhl] / ˈgrædʒ u əl /

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

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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 British  

/ ˈɡrædjʊəl /

adjective

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

   a gradual improvement in health

2. not steep or abrupt

   a gradual slope

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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

Related Words

See slow.

Other Word Forms

• gradually
  adverb
• gradualness
  noun
• ungradual
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of gradual

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; see grade, -al ¹

Explanation

Use the adjective gradual to describe something that happens slowly, bit by bit, like the gradual decrease in the amount of daylight in winter. Gradual can also apply to the gentle slope of landforms like hills. A gradual incline seems to slowly rise — you may not even realize you're walking up such a hill. Gradual comes from the Latin word gradus, which means "step." Step by step, a gradual hill climbs, while a steep hill seems to leap up into the air.

Example Sentences

Last fall, even a gradual decline in bank reserves sparked such acute anxiety in the bond market that the Fed quickly reversed course and began growing reserves again.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

Beijing is often thought to eschew rash decision-making and prioritise patience and gradual gains to secure long-term outcomes.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The researchers also found no strong evidence that weight cycling is responsible for the gradual long-term weight gain commonly seen in obesity.

From Science Daily • May 17, 2026

Madyar said Ukraine's expanded strikes inside Russian territory were driven by several factors -- more resources, a strategic shift and the gradual dismantling of Russian air-defence systems.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

But Ben had been coming to a gradual and reluctant realization that Ogden Loring was the best teacher he had ever had.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Related Words

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