Incremental Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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incremental
[หษชnkrษหmษntl ]
Definitions
development
relating to or denoting an increase or addition, especially one that is small or gradual
Synonyms
gradual, small-scale, step-by-step.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incremental |
This word is ideal for describing progress or changes made in small, measurable steps, often in a business or technology setting.
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| gradual |
Use this word to describe a slow, steady process that takes place over a long period. It's often used when talking about natural processes or personal development.
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| step-by-step |
Use this word when describing a methodical approach that requires following a sequence of stages. It's often used in instructions or procedures.
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| small-scale |
This word fits when referring to something that occurs on a limited scope or size. It's often used in discussions about projects, experiments, or businesses.
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Examples of usage
- The company made incremental improvements to its products over the years.
- She took on more responsibilities in an incremental fashion.
- The project moved forward through incremental steps.
software
a small software update that improves or adds to the functionality of an existing program
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incremental |
Used when describing gradual improvements or changes.
|
| update |
Used broadly when referring to any new version or addition to hardware or software. It can also refer to providing new information.
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| patch |
Used when referring to a fix or a short-term solution to a specific problem, typically in software. Can have a slightly negative connotation if the patch temporarily fixes a larger problem.
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| enhancement |
Used when describing significant improvements or upgrades to a product or system.
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Examples of usage
- The app developers released an incremental update to fix bugs.
- Users can download the incremental patch to enhance their experience.
- The company plans to roll out incremental releases throughout the year.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science/Technology
- In computer science, incremental changes help improve software with fewer bugs than massive updates.
- Engineering projects often adopt incremental design to refine products based on user feedback, ensuring quality over time.
- Biological evolution is seen as an incremental process, with gradual changes leading to new species over generations.
Psychology
- Gradual learning and development often yield better long-term retention than cramming or large jumps in knowledge.
- Incremental motivation supports building confidence as skills improve step by step.
- The concept of a growth mindset ties into incremental progress; believing abilities can improve with effort.
Economics
- Incremental innovation refers to small improvements to existing products, instead of creating entirely new ones.
- Companies thrive on incremental adjustments to pricing strategies to remain competitive.
- In personal finance, achieving goals through incremental saving and investments often leads to greater financial security.
Literature
- Many writers use incremental storytelling, where the plot develops through small, significant changes in the characters' lives.
- Self-help books often emphasize incremental habits that foster long-lasting change over time.
- Poets may employ an incremental approach in stanzas, layering imagery and themes steadily throughout the work.
Origin of 'incremental'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'incrementum,' meaning 'growth' or 'increase.'
- It first appeared in English in the late 19th century, often used in scientific and mathematical contexts.
- The suffix '-al' indicates 'related to' in Latin, so incremental suggests 'related to increases.'
The word 'incremental' originated from the Latin word 'incrementum', which means growth or increase. The term has been used in various fields such as economics, technology, and business to describe gradual or small additions or improvements. The concept of incremental progress is often valued for its steady and manageable pace towards achieving goals.
See also: increment, incrementally, incrementer.