gradualism
the principle or policy of achieving some goal by gradual steps rather than by drastic change.
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.
Biology. a tenet in evolutionary theory maintaining that species evolve slowly and continuously over long periods of geological time.: Compare punctuated equilibrium.
Compare Meanings
Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.
Origin of gradualism
1Other words from gradualism
- grad·u·al·ist, noun, adjective
- grad·u·al·is·tic, adjective
Words Nearby gradualism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use gradualism in a sentence
Despite the residual know-nothing-ism of recent years, this is exactly the proper moment for patience and gradualism in reopening sports, even outdoor events.
Everyone has feelings about crowd size at ballgames. Let’s stick with facts. | Thomas M. Boswell | March 18, 2021 | Washington PostIt also happened that the former Reform party accepted pragmatism and gradualism.
True conservatism is gradualism—the movement onward by slow, cautious, and firm steps—but still movement, and that onward.
An Essay on Professional Ethics | George SharswoodHe was on the Fourth of July a firm and earnest believer in the equity and efficacy of gradualism.
William Lloyd Garrison | Archibald H. GrimkeThe more he thought the less did gradualism seem defensible on moral grounds.
William Lloyd Garrison | Archibald H. Grimke
To admit the principle of gradualism was for Abolition to emasculate itself of its most virile quality.
William Lloyd Garrison | Archibald H. GrimkeGarrison, consequently rejected gradualism as a weapon, and took up instead the great and quickening doctrine of immediatism.
William Lloyd Garrison | Archibald H. Grimke
British Dictionary definitions for gradualism
/ (ˈɡrædjʊəˌlɪzəm) /
the policy of seeking to change something or achieve a goal gradually rather than quickly or violently, esp in politics
the theory that explains major changes in rock strata, fossils, etc in terms of gradual evolutionary processes rather than sudden violent catastrophes: Compare catastrophism
Derived forms of gradualism
- gradualist, noun, adjective
- gradualistic, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for gradualism
[ grăj′ōō-ə-lĭz′əm ]
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. Compare punctuated equilibrium.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for gradualism
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.)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Browse