gradualism

[ graj-oo-uh-liz-uhm ]

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. Compare punctuated equilibrium.

gradualism

/ 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

gradualism

/ 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

gradualism

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 .)

Derived Forms

• ˈgradualist, nounadjective
• ˌgradualˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• gradu·al·ist noun adjective
• gradu·al·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gradualism¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

From Washington Post

It also happened that the former Reform party accepted pragmatism and gradualism.

From The Daily Beast

True conservatism is gradualism—the movement onward by slow, cautious, and firm steps—but still movement, and that onward.

From Project Gutenberg

He was on the Fourth of July a firm and earnest believer in the equity and efficacy of gradualism.

From Project Gutenberg

The more he thought the less did gradualism seem defensible on moral grounds.

From Project Gutenberg

To admit the principle of gradualism was for Abolition to emasculate itself of its most virile quality.

From Project Gutenberg

Garrison, consequently rejected gradualism as a weapon, and took up instead the great and quickening doctrine of immediatism.

From Project Gutenberg