Gradually: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฑ
gradually
[หษกradสuษli ]
Definitions
in time
in a gradual or slow manner; step by step
Synonyms
progressively, slowly, steadily.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gradually |
Used when describing something that happens slowly over a period of time, often in stages.
|
| slowly |
Used when something happens at a slow pace, often implying a lack of hurry or urgency.
|
| steadily |
Used to describe something that happens at a consistent and continuous rate, often implying reliability and lack of interruption.
|
| progressively |
Used to describe something that increases or develops step by step, often implying progress or improvement.
|
Examples of usage
- The colors of the sunset changed gradually from orange to pink.
- She gradually realized that she had made a mistake.
in degree
to a small extent; slightly
Synonyms
marginally, moderately, slightly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gradually |
Used when something happens step by step or over a period of time.
|
| slightly |
Used when something changes a small amount, often less noticeable. Usually implies something minor.
|
| moderately |
Used when something is within reasonable limits or not extreme.
|
| marginally |
Used when there is a very small or insignificant change in degree or amount.
|
Examples of usage
- His health is gradually improving.
- The noise gradually faded away.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- Derived from the Latin word 'gradus', meaning 'step', emphasizing a process that involves small steps.
- It was first used in the English language around the late 14th century, reflecting changes in language and thought about time.
- Related words like 'graduate' come from the same root, tied to progress moving through different levels.
Psychology
- Psychologists suggest that gradual change can lead to better long-term adaptation in behaviors and habits.
- The 'Gradual Learning Curve' indicates people often learn and adapt to new information and skills more effectively when changes are introduced slowly.
- Many therapeutic techniques, like gradual exposure therapy, utilize this concept to help people confront fears step by step.
Nature
- Climate change occurs gradually, often over decades or centuries, impacting ecosystems and weather patterns.
- Gradual changes in seasons help plants and animals to adapt, demonstrating the importance of time in natural processes.
- Erosion is a gradual process that shapes landscapes over time, showing how persistence leads to significant geological changes.
Education
- In learning, gradual progress is often more effective than cramming information all at once, which can lead to burnout.
- The concept of 'scaffolding' in education means support is provided gradually, allowing learners to build skills step by step.
- Many curriculums emphasize gradual mastery of concepts, helping students to develop a deeper understanding over time.
Literature
- Many classic novels show character development gradually, highlighting how experiences shape individuals over time.
- The narrative technique of 'slow reveal' builds suspense and depth, mimicking a gradual unveiling of plot and character.
Translations
Translations of the word "gradually" in other languages:
๐ต๐น gradualmente
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคฐเคฎเคฟเค เคฐเฅเคช เคธเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช allmรคhlich
๐ฎ๐ฉ bertahap
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะพัััะฟะพะฒะพ
๐ต๐ฑ stopniowo
๐ฏ๐ต ๅพใ ใซ (ใใใใใซ)
๐ซ๐ท graduellement
๐ช๐ธ gradualmente
๐น๐ท yavaล yavaล
๐ฐ๐ท ์ ์ฐจ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุฏุฑูุฌูุงู
๐จ๐ฟ postupnฤ
๐ธ๐ฐ postupne
๐จ๐ณ ้ๆธๅฐ (zhรบjiร n de)
๐ธ๐ฎ postopoma
๐ฎ๐ธ smรกm saman
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑััััะฝะดะตะฟ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแฏ-แแแแแฏ (nabij-nabij)
๐ฆ๐ฟ tษdricษn
๐ฒ๐ฝ gradualmente