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gradual Definition

gradu·al (grajo̵̅o̅ əl, -jə wəl)

adjective

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

Etymology: ML gradualis < L gradus: see grade

noun

  1. a set of usually Scriptural verses following the Epistle at Mass
  2. an official book containing the words and musical notation for the parts of the Mass sung by others other than the celebrant

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

gradual Related Forms
gradu·ally adverb gradu·al·ness noun
gradual Synonyms

gradual

modif.

creeping, regular, continuous; see progressive 1.

gradual Usage Examples

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • make: Make the change gradual in any order you wish.

Infinitive complement

  • avoid: All Shadings to be gradual to avoid blotches or streaks.

Modifies a noun

  • deterioration: The sparks come from the gradual deterioration of a friendship on screen.
  • decline: Long periods were spent trying to arrest the gradual decline.
  • erosion: To listen to her music is to bear witness to a gradual erosion of personality.
  • ascent: We begin with a gradual ascent of the Santa Cruz valley.
  • build-up: The walls of the coronary arteries may have become narrowed by a gradual build-up of fatty material.

Modifying Another Word

  • very: Outside the South East of Britain, a very gradual assimilation of Roman material culture was the norm.
  • usually: Symptoms: The onset is usually gradual which may be attributed to increasing age that may affect all body functions: - Weakness.
  • so: The weight gain is so gradual that we hardly notice the change.
  • not: If the introductory process is not gradual, the hearing aid may be rejected.
  • too: That mysterious change is too subtle and too gradual to be measured by dates.
  • quite: Even tho there were some big changes it was all quite gradual and it was all quite smooth.

Preposition: in

  • onset: Noise Noise-induced hearing loss is usually gradual in onset and can be prevented by wearing appropriate ear protection.
  • order: Make the change gradual in any order you wish.
gradual Quotes

What I had not foreseen Was the gradual day Weakening the will Leaking the brightness away

—Spender, Sir Stephen Harold