Gradual: meaning, definitions and examples

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gradual

[ˈɡradʒuəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

slow change

happening or changing slowly over a long period of time

Synonyms

progressive, slow, steady.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gradual	Used to describe changes or developments that happen slowly and incrementally over time, without any sudden or abrupt shifts. The company saw a gradual increase in sales over the past year. The teacher noticed a gradual improvement in her student's handwriting.
slow	Describes a process or movement that takes more time than usual or moves at a less than desirable pace. It can sometimes have a negative connotation. Traffic was so slow that it took us an extra hour to get home. The recovery from the surgery has been slow but steady.
steady	Implies consistent, reliable, and continuous pace or rate without fluctuations. It often has a reassuring, positive connotation. She has made steady progress in learning the new language. The economy has shown steady growth over the past decade.
progressive	Often used in a context of social or technological advancement, suggesting forward-thinking or continuous improvement. It can have a positive connotation. The new healthcare policy is considered quite progressive. He holds progressive views on education and technology.

Examples of usage

The transition to renewable energy sources needs to be gradual to ensure a smooth shift in the economy.
His gradual decline in health was noticeable over the course of several months.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

slowly

in a gradual manner; step by step

Examples of usage

She learned to play the piano gradually, starting with simple songs and gradually progressing to more complex pieces.
The colors of the sunset changed gradually from orange to pink to purple.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'gradualis,' which means 'of steps' or 'progressing by degrees.'
Its roots relate to 'gradus,' translating to 'step,' highlighting the idea of moving step by step.

Psychology

Gradual changes are often more sustainable; for example, small lifestyle adjustments are more effective than drastic overhauls.
In behavioral therapy, gradual exposure techniques help people overcome fears through small, manageable steps.

Education

Educational theories support gradual learning, emphasizing that knowledge is best acquired in stages, allowing for retention and understanding.
Curriculum designs often include gradual progression, where complex topics are introduced only after foundational concepts are mastered.

Nature

In ecology, gradual processes such as erosion shape landscapes over time, demonstrating nature's slow transformative power.
Climate change is often gradual, with environmental shifts manifesting slowly yet significantly impacting ecosystems.

Pop Culture

Many self-improvement books emphasize the concept of gradual change, promoting the idea that slow and steady wins the race.
Music genres often evolve gradually over time, incorporating new styles and influences instead of sudden shifts.

Translations

Translations of the word "gradual" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gradual

🇮🇳 क्रमिक

🇩🇪 allmählich

🇮🇩 bertahap

🇺🇦 поступовий

🇵🇱 stopniowy

🇯🇵 徐々に (じょじょに)

🇫🇷 graduel

🇪🇸 gradual

🇹🇷 kademeli

🇰🇷 점진적인

🇸🇦 تدريجي

🇨🇿 postupný

🇸🇰 postupný

🇨🇳 逐渐的 (zhújiàn de)

🇸🇮 postopen

🇮🇸 stigvaxandi

🇰🇿 біртіндеп

🇬🇪 პოსტუპური

🇦🇿 tədricən

🇲🇽 gradual

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,606, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4603 proven
4604 recalled
4605 creatures
4606 gradual
4607 bold
4608 strengthen
4609 riding
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