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gradual

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The definition of gradual is something that changes or progresses slowly or over time.

(adjective)

When a mountain loses incline over a very large space so there are no steep drop-offs, this is an example of a gradual decline.
When your health very slowly starts to get better over time, this is an example of gradual improvement.

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See gradual in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

taking place by almost imperceptible steps or degrees; developing little by little, not sharply or suddenly

Origin: ML gradualis < L gradus: see grade

noun

a set of usually Scriptural verses following the Epistle at Mass
an official book containing the words and musical notation for the parts of the Mass sung by others other than the celebrant
in full Graduale Romanum

Origin: ML graduale, book of hymns orig. sung on steps of a pulpit < L gradus

Related Forms:

gradually adverb
gradualness noun

See gradual in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Advancing or progressing by regular or continuous degrees: gradual erosion; a gradual slope.

noun
Roman Catholic Church

The liturgical book containing the chants for the Mass.
A biblical text sung between the Epistle and the Gospel of the Mass.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, having steps

Origin: , from Medieval Latin graduālis

Origin: , from Latin gradus, step; see grade

Origin: . N., Middle English

Origin: , from Medieval Latin graduāle, the part of the service sung by the choir from the altar steps, gradual

Origin: , from

Origin: neuter sing. of graduālis

.

Related Forms:

gradˈu·al·ly adverb

gradˈu·al·ness noun

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