Meaning & Definition of word "Gradual"

Gradual

/ˈɡrædʒ.u.əl/

adjective:

  • 1. Taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees.
    • Example: The recovery from her illness was gradual, taking several weeks to notice significant improvement.
  • 2. Characterized by a low rate of change or a series of small, incremental changes.
    • Example: The team made gradual improvements to their project, ensuring each change enhanced the overall quality.
  • 3. Occurring in small steps rather than all at once.
    • Example: They implemented a gradual increase in the training intensity over several months.

Etymology

From Middle English gradual, from Latin gradalis (related to gradus 'step').

Common Phrases and Expressions

gradual process:

A process that occurs slowly and in stages.

gradual improvement:

An improvement that happens slowly over time.

Related Words

progressive:

Characterized by progress or gradual improvement.

incremental:

Increasing gradually by small amounts.

Slang Meanings of gradual