gradate

gra·date

[grey-deyt] verb, gra·dat·ed, gra·dat·ing.
verb (used without object)
1.
to pass by gradual or imperceptible degrees, as one color into another.
verb (used with object)
2.
to cause to gradate.
3.
to arrange in grades.

Origin:
1745–55; back formation from gradation

re·gra·date, verb, re·gra·dat·ed, re·gra·dat·ing.
un·gra·dat·ed, adjective
un·gra·dat·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To gradate
00:10
Gradate is one of our favorite verbs.
So is bowdlerise. Does it mean:
to expurgate (a written work) by removing or modifying passages considered vulgar or objectionable.
to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about.
Collins
World English Dictionary
gradate (ɡrəˈdeɪt) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
vb
1.  to change or cause to change imperceptibly, as from one colour, tone, or degree to another
2.  (tr) to arrange in grades or ranks

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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