Gradient: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in mathematics and physics to describe the rate of change or incline in a particular direction. It can be used in various scientific and engineering fields.

• The gradient of the road is steep at this point.
• We need to calculate the gradient of the curve for our physics project.

Used in everyday language, as well as in mathematics and engineering, to describe the steepness or incline of a surface. More frequently used when discussing physical landscapes and graph plots.

• The slope of the hill is too steep for beginners to climb.
• The slope of the line on the graph represents the rate of change.

A term used primarily in calculus to describe the rate at which a function is changing at any given point. Commonly appears in mathematics, engineering, and economics.

• The first derivative of the function tells us about its slope.
• He struggled with finding the derivative of complex equations.

Again, used in scientific or technical contexts. It emphasizes the degree of inclination or the scale of change. This term can also be used in design and art to explain color transitions.

• The artist used a color gradient to give depth to the painting.
• Climate researchers are studying the temperature gradient across the ocean.

Often used in finance, biology, or any field where the speed of change over time is being measured. It usually denotes how quickly something is changing.

• The change rate of the stock prices was alarming.
• Scientists observed the change rate of the population over the last decade.

This term is versatile and can be used in everyday language as well as in scientific contexts. It generally refers to the differences or changes in data or topics over time or space.

• There is a lot of variation in the test scores among students.
• The weather variation this month has been quite dramatic.