gradualism

[ graj-oo-uh-liz-uhm ]

/ ˈgrædʒ u əˌlɪz əm /

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noun

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.

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Origin of gradualism

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; gradual + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM gradualism

grad·u·al·ist, noun, adjectivegrad·u·al·is·tic, adjective

Words nearby gradualism

gradient post, gradient wind, gradin, gradiometer, gradual, gradualism, gradually, graduand, graduate, graduated, graduated cylinder

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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 Post
It also happened that the former Reform party accepted pragmatism and gradualism.
Are Conservative Civil Wars a Good Idea?|David Frum|March 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
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 Sharswood
He was on the Fourth of July a firm and earnest believer in the equity and efficacy of gradualism.
William Lloyd Garrison|Archibald H. Grimke

The 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. Grimke
Garrison, 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

gradualism

/ (ˈɡrædjʊəˌlɪzəm) /

noun

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 catastrophesCompare catastrophism

Derived forms of gradualism

gradualist, noun, adjectivegradualistic, 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

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.

Cultural definitions for gradualism

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.)