gradually

American  

[graj-oo-uh-lee] / ˈgrædʒ u ə li /

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

Etymology

Origin of gradually

gradual ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

gradually

“The approach unfolds gradually, revealing the home with a sense of anticipation that is both cinematic and unforgettable.”

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 14, 2026

"It doesn't hurt, there's no pain like what a burn might be considered to be like, and it can just very gradually come on."

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

With life lessons learned among the bees, communal dinners, and music, King not only helps her gradually integrate into the community, but also passes on his leadership role to her.

From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026

Gas and dust will keep traveling away from the central stellar remnant, gradually changing the nebula's appearance.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 12, 2026

As it flew up and out the genie’s scream echoed back at them, gradually fading into the blowing wind and snow.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Related Words

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