Meaning of gradual in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈɡrædʒ(u)əl/

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1. Noun

   gradual

   Definitions

   1. (Roman Catholic Church) an antiphon (usually from the Book of Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass

2. Qualitative Adjective

   gradual

   Etymology

   late Middle English: from medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus‘step’. The original sense of the adjective was ‘arranged in degrees’; the noun refers to the altar steps in a church, from which the antiphons were sung

   Definitions

   1. proceeding in small stages

   Examples

   • « a gradual increase in prices »

   Synonyms

   • bit-by-bit
   • in small stages
   • piecemeal
   • step-by-step
   • stepwise
   • gradational
   • gradatory
   • graduated

   Antonyms

   • sudden
3. 2. of a topographical gradient

   Examples

   • « not steep or abrupt »
   • « a gradual slope »

   Synonyms

   • easy
   • gentle
   • sloping

   Antonyms

   • steep

See also

• inclined