Gradual definition
Occurring or developing slowly or by small increments.
Gradual erosion; a gradual slope.
adjective
A biblical text sung between the Epistle and the Gospel of the Mass.
noun
Taking place by almost imperceptible steps or degrees; developing little by little, not sharply or suddenly.
adjective
An official book containing the words and musical notation for the parts of the Mass sung by participants other than the celebrant.
noun
The definition of gradual is something that changes or progresses slowly or over time.
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.
adjective
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(Roman Catholic Church) An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.
noun
(Roman Catholic Church) A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.
noun
The liturgical book containing the chants for the Mass.
noun
A set of usually Scriptural verses following the Epistle at Mass.
noun
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Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
gradual
Plural:
gradualsOrigin of gradual
- Middle English having steps from Medieval Latin graduālis from Latin gradus step grade N., Middle English from Medieval Latin graduāle the part of the service sung by the choir from the altar steps, gradual from neuter sing. of graduālis
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus (“step”), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰradʰ-, *gʰredʰ- (“to walk, go”). Cognate with Gothic (griþs, “step, grade”), Bavarian Gritt (“step, stride”).
From Wiktionary