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

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

This broke down by degrees, critically in the Sicilian Expedition of 415-413 B.C., when Athens tried and failed to annex Syracuse, a Spartan ally.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

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

Their comments were by degrees somewhat less offensive than those of Martinez.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2022

Millers, who was the other nurse, retired into the house, and by degrees the child’s wailing was hushed and stopped, as if it were a young ventriloquist with something in its mouth.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens