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View synonyms for

gradual

[ graj-oo-uhl ]

adjective

  1. taking place, changing, moving, etc., by small degrees or little by little:

    gradual improvement in health.

    Antonyms:

  2. rising or descending at an even, moderate inclination:

    a gradual slope.

    Synonyms:

    Antonyms:



noun

  1. Ecclesiastical. (often initial capital letter)
    1. an antiphon sung between the Epistle and the Gospel in the Eucharistic service.
    2. a book containing the words and music of the parts of the liturgy that are sung by the choir.

gradual

/ ˈɡæʊə /

adjective

  1. occurring, developing, moving, etc, in small stages

    a gradual improvement in health

  2. not steep or abrupt

    a gradual slope

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. often capital Christianity
    1. an antiphon or group of several antiphons, usually from the Psalms, sung or recited immediately after the epistle at Mass
    2. a book of plainsong containing the words and music of the parts of the Mass that are sung by the cantors and choir
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈܲ, adverb
  • ˈܲԱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ··· adverb
  • ···Ա noun
  • ܲ··· adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of gradual1

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin “pertaining to steps,” the part of the service sung as the choir stood on the altar steps, equivalent to Latin gradu(s) “step,” + - adjective suffix; grade, -al 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of gradual1

C16: from Medieval Latin relating to steps, from Latin gradus a step
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Synonym Study

See slow.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Post Office chairman Nigel Railton has said a new IT system would not be introduced in one "big bang" but there would be gradual changes.

From

Since March 31, DWP crews had been refilling the reservoir as part of a gradual process that lifts the water level only a few feet each day.

From

The number of police officers would continue on its gradual downward trajectory, with new hires failing to keep pace with attrition.

From

When he suffered a stroke while visiting Saudi Arabia two years later and embarked on a painstaking gradual recovery there had been widespread popular sympathy.

From

Statistics show there has been a gradual decrease in the number of goals scored from direct free-kicks over the years.

From

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