by degrees

Idioms  

1. Gradually, by successive steps or stages. For example, By degrees he began to delegate more and more of his duties to his staff. [Mid-1500s] Also see by inches.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

by degrees

These were all private-sphere relationships defined by degrees of dominance and subordination.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

Sir Geoffrey said: "Both government and the BBC should seriously think about how the World Service's influence can be bolstered around the world, rather than risk its reach withering by degrees year on year."

From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2026

Arti Gollapudi plays all three of Deepali’s older sisters, for example, differing mainly by degrees of uptightness.

From New York Times ● Nov. 20, 2023

The #MeToo movement offers proof that a culture can change — slowly and by degrees.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 28, 2023

He recognized me by degrees and became my pre-Mexican-fiesta father.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou