Quantcast
 
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

gradual

 - 3 dictionary results

grad⋅u⋅al

  [graj-oo-uhl]
–adjective
1. taking place, changing, moving, etc., by small degrees or little by little: gradual improvement in health.
2. rising or descending at an even, moderate inclination: a gradual slope.
–noun
3. Ecclesiastical. (often initial capital letter)
a. an antiphon sung between the Epistle and the Gospel in the Eucharistic service.
b. a book containing the words and music of the parts of the liturgy that are sung by the choir.
Use gradual in a Sentence
Origin:
1375–1425; late ME < ML graduālis pertaining to steps, graduāle the part of the service sung as the choir stood on the altar steps, equiv. to L gradu(s) step, grade + -ālis -al 1

Related forms:
grad⋅u⋅al⋅ly, adverb
grad⋅u⋅al⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. See slow. 2. gentle.

Antonyms:
1. sudden. 2. precipitous.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To gradual
grad·u·al   (grāj'ōō-əl)   
adj.  Advancing or progressing by regular or continuous degrees: gradual erosion; a gradual slope.
n.   Roman Catholic Church

  1. The liturgical book containing the chants for the Mass.

  2. A biblical text sung between the Epistle and the Gospel of the Mass.


[Middle English, having steps, from Medieval Latin graduālis, from Latin gradus, step; see grade. N., Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduāle, the part of the service sung by the choir from the altar steps, gradual, from neuter sing. of graduālis.]
grad'u·al·ly adv., grad'u·al·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

gradual 
1541, from M.L. gradualis, from L. gradus "step" (see grade).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see gradual on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
ExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyThe Daily BeastUrbanspoonAsk AnswersBloglinesSendori