gradual

1 of 2

adjective

grad·​u·​al ˈgra-jə-wəl 

-jəl,

ˈgraj-wəl

1

: moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees

2

: proceeding by steps or degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun

gradual

2 of 2

noun

often capitalized

1

: a book containing the choral parts of the Mass

2

: a pair of verses (as from the Psalms) proper after the Epistle in the Mass

Synonyms

Adjective

• gradational
• incremental
• phased
• piecemeal
• step-by-step

Examples of gradual in a Sentence

Adjective

We noticed a gradual change in temperature.

The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 14. —Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Dec. 2024

Do your first workout on a gradual incline, like 2%, and increase the incline by 1-2% each week. —Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 11 Dec. 2024

Output from the mine went into a gradual decline following the War, and it was mothballed in 1996. —David Blackmon, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

New Jersey plans to roll out gradual increases for small employers and agricultural workers as well, while boosting wages for large employers and long-term care facilities. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduale, from Latin gradus step; from its being sung on the steps of the altar

First Known Use

Adjective

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gradual

adjective

grad·​u·​al

ˈgraj-(ə-)wəl,

ˈgraj-əl

1

: proceeding by steps or degrees

2

: moving or changing by slight degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun