stepwise

American  

[step-wahyz] / ˈstɛpˌwaɪz /

adverb

1. in a steplike arrangement.

2. Music.  from one adjacent tone to another.

   The melody ascends stepwise.

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adjective

1. Music.  moving from one adjacent tone to another.

   stepwise melodic progression.

stepwise British  

/ ˈstɛpˌwaɪz /

adjective

1. arranged in the manner of or resembling steps

2. music proceeding by melodic intervals of a second

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adverb

1. with the form or appearance of steps; step by step

2. music in a stepwise motion

Etymology

Origin of stepwise

First recorded in 1885–90; step + -wise

Example Sentences

"We've come far, but not far enough," Jorgensen added in Tuesday's news conference, adding that measures to phase out Russian energy would be "stepwise and gradual" to minimise the impact on the EU.

From BBC

Even before the meeting began Monday, South Korean Environment Minister Kim Wan-sup was trying to dial back expectations, telling reporters: “I believe it may be more realistic to pursue stepwise measures.”

From Los Angeles Times

But even reaching those valleys can be difficult, requiring the stepwise exchange of electrons and protons among various molecules.

From Science Daily

MIF levels also appeared to increase in a stepwise fashion as neighborhood composition changed from mostly Black to some Black to mixed to mostly white neighborhoods.

From Science Daily

In general, mutations in multiple genes accumulate in a stepwise manner when normal cells become cancerous.

From Science Daily