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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.

    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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Other Word Forms

  • gradually adverb
  • gradualness noun
  • ungradual adjective
  • ˈܲ adverb
  • ˈܲԱ noun
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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.

“The monkeys are a more distant evolutionary distant species, and so perhaps that there is some gradual development in the course of primate evolution,” Hattori told Salon in a video call.

From

Canada's separation from the monarchy has been more gradual, and its ties have never been completely broken.

From

It said earlier this week that online services should see a gradual return to normal over the coming weeks, but some level of disruption would continue until July.

From

It added that its online services would continue to be disrupted until July, with a gradual return to normal.

From

"As a result, the 'gradual' interest rate cutting path will remain the balancing act."

From

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