gradualism

American  

[graj-oo-uh-liz-uhm] / ˈgrædʒ u əˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. the principle or policy of achieving some goal by gradual steps rather than by drastic change.

2. 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.

3. Biology. a tenet in evolutionary theory maintaining that species evolve slowly and continuously over long periods of geological time.

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gradualism British  

/ ˈɡrædjʊəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the policy of seeking to change something or achieve a goal gradually rather than quickly or violently, esp in politics

2. the theory that explains major changes in rock strata, fossils, etc in terms of gradual evolutionary processes rather than sudden violent catastrophes Compare catastrophism

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gradualism Scientific  

/ grăj′o̅o̅-ə-lĭz′əm /

1. 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.

2. Compare punctuated equilibrium

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gradualism Cultural  

1. 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.)

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Other Word Forms

• gradualist noun
• gradualistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of gradualism

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

Compare meaning

How does gradualism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• gradualism vs. punctuated equilibrium

Example Sentences

I call this process catastrophic gradualism: the small, almost insensible accumulation of evils, fairly minor in their individual character, but which when considered whole, inspire a pervasive feeling of dread.

From Salon • Sep. 1, 2025

Or, he could ignore any notion of gradualism and make an instant mark by calling time on YCC.

From Reuters • Apr. 27, 2023

That gradualism is what Hernandez is banking on.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2022

While punctuated equilibrium suggests a faster tempo, it does not necessarily exclude gradualism.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Thus despite Lester Granger's attempt to soften the blow, the conference designed to bring the opponents together ended with yet another condemnation of Forrestal's gradualism.

From Integration of the Armed Forces, 1940-1965 by MacGregor, Morris J.