gradual

[ graj-oo-uhl ]

adjective

1. taking place, changing, moving, etc., by small degrees or little by little:

   gradual improvement in health.

   Antonyms: sudden

2. rising or descending at an even, moderate inclination:

   a gradual slope.

   Synonyms: gentle

   Antonyms: precipitous

noun

1. Ecclesiastical. (often initial capital letter)
   1. an antiphon sung between the Epistle and the Gospel in the Eucharistic service.
   2. a book containing the words and music of the parts of the liturgy that are sung by the choir.

gradual

/ ˈɡrædjʊəl /

adjective

1. occurring, developing, moving, etc, in small stages

   a gradual improvement in health

2. not steep or abrupt

   a gradual slope

noun

1. often capital Christianity
   1. an antiphon or group of several antiphons, usually from the Psalms, sung or recited immediately after the epistle at Mass
   2. a book of plainsong containing the words and music of the parts of the Mass that are sung by the cantors and choir

Derived Forms

• ˈgradually, adverb
• ˈgradualness, noun

Other Words From

• grad·u·al·ly adverb
• grad·u·al·ness noun
• un·grad·u·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gradual¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduālis “pertaining to steps,” graduāle the part of the service sung as the choir stood on the altar steps, equivalent to Latin gradu(s) “step,” + -ālis adjective suffix; grade, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of gradual¹

C16: from Medieval Latin graduālis relating to steps, from Latin gradus a step

Synonym Study

See slow.

Example Sentences

But this is preceded by perimenopause, a phase of gradual decline in reproductive hormones that can last from anywhere between two to 10 years.

From BBC

Though the state boasts ample oil reserves, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s climate policies and his enmity toward the oil industry is forcing a gradual wind-down of oil production.

From Los Angeles Times

When Peggy Woolley’s husband was given the same disease in The Archers, June was supportive and – with her experience of Roger’s gradual disintegration – was often consulted by the scriptwriters.

From BBC

Announcing the November rate decision, the Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey indicated more cuts were to come but said it would be a "gradual fall from here".

From BBC

But voters’ rejection of Trump and the county’s gradual shift from deeply red to a more politically diverse region has fascinated pollsters and political scientists for years.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• continuous
• creeping
• piecemeal
• progressive
• slow
• steady
• step-by-step