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

Desensitization through gradual exposure can also help. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Related Story Attitudes Toward Menopause and Aging May Actually Predict Symptom Intensity Loss of cushioning One of the most noticeable changes in aging feet is the gradual loss of natural cushioning. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 24 Oct. 2024

This gentle, gradual thawing process helps preserve the chili's texture and flavor. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2024

Still, rebooting the assembly lines will be a gradual process, given the complexity of coordinating hundreds of thousands of parts while hiccups still ripple across the aerospace and defense supply chain. —Julie Johnsson, Fortune, 20 Oct. 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