gradual Hear it!

gradual definition

gradu·al (gra′jo̵̅o̅ 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
    in full Graduale Romanum Gra′·du·a′le Ro·ma′·num (grä′do̵̅o̅ ä′lā rō mä′no̵om)

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

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

gradual Synonyms

gradual

modif.

creeping, regular, continuous; see progressive 1.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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.

Modifying Another Word

  • very: Outside the South East of Britain, a very gradual assimilation of Roman material culture was the norm.

Preposition: in

  • onset: Noise Noise-induced hearing loss is usually gradual in onset and can be prevented by wearing appropriate ear protection.
gradual usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

gradual quotes

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

-Spender, Sir Stephen Harold

gradual quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"gradual." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/gradual>

APA Style

gradual. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/gradual

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