gradually

[ graj-oo-uh-lee ]

adverb

1. by small degrees or little by little:

   The hurricane moved northwestward to northward for two days, gradually weakened to a depression, and then turned eastward.

   Over the following decades, the curriculum was gradually expanded, with additional offerings in history, government, languages, geology, and geography.

Other Words From

• un·grad·u·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gradually¹

gradual ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Any perceived display of liberal bias was quickly attacked, so the media got the message and gradually acquiesced until liberals and their point of view were marginalized.

From Salon

Then, gradually, replacements began arising, with names like MEGA, WayAway, OMG!,

From Salon

Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales is gradually returning to public duties following her cancer treatment earlier this year.

From BBC

"Unemployment is likely gradually rising, the labour market is loosening but it remains tight," he said.

From BBC

"Similarly, wage growth is gradually slowing but remains too high still to deliver inflation sustainably at target."

From BBC

Related Words

• constantly
• continuously
• deliberately
• gently
• increasingly
• moderately
• progressively
• regularly
• steadily