gradually

[graj-oo-uh-lee]

adverb

1. by small degrees or little by little.

   The hurricane moved northwestward to northward for two days, gradually weakened to a depression, and then turned eastward.

   Over the following decades, the curriculum was gradually expanded, with additional offerings in history, government, languages, geology, and geography.

Other Word Forms

• ungradually adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gradually¹

gradual ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Through heavy static, barely audible answers crackle over from a crew member, who gradually lists the ship's insurance details, flag state and last port of call – Suez, Egypt.

Read more on BBC

Alexander’s stiff-backed schoolboy posture gradually altered into a light-footed loping stride.

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As the training progressed, the team of scientists gradually reduced their contact with Xiang Xiang so he could learn to interact with the wild environment on his own.

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Imagine building a chatbot whose users suddenly begin speaking a completely new language; the system would need to continue functioning while gradually learning the new rules and structure.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Their work focused on chronic kidney disease, a condition in which the kidneys gradually lose the ability to clear waste and extra fluid from the bloodstream.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• constantly 
• continuously 
• deliberately 
• gently 
• increasingly 
• moderately 
• progressively 
• regularly 
• steadily