gradualism
Use Gradualism in a sentence
u noun
2.
Philosophy. a theory maintaining that two seemingly conflicting notions are not radically opposed, but are related by others partaking in varying degrees of the character of both.
3.
Biology. a tenet in evolutionary theory maintaining that species evolve slowly and continuously over long periods of geological time.
Compare punctuated equilibrium.
Related forms
grad·u·al·ist, noun, adjective
grad·u·al·is·tic, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To gradualism
Collins
World English Dictionary
gradualism (ˈɡrædjʊəˌlɪzəm) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | the policy of seeking to change something or achieve a goal gradually rather than quickly or violently, esp in politics |
| 2. | Compare catastrophism the theory that explains major changes in rock strata, fossils, etc in terms of gradual evolutionary processes rather than sudden violent catastrophes |
| 'gradualist | |
| —n, —adj | |
| gradual'istic | |
| —adj | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
00:10
Gradualism
is always a great word to know.
So is zedonk. Does it mean:
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
| the offspring of a zebra and a donkey. |
American Heritage
Science Dictionary
gradualism (grāj' -ə-lĭz'əm) Pronunciation Key
The theory that new species evolve from existing species through gradual, often imperceptible changes rather than through abrupt, major changes. The small changes are believed to result in perceptible changes over long periods of time. Compare punctuated equilibrium. |
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Cultural Dictionary
gradualism definition
The belief that changes in the Earth, such as the development of species, have taken place slowly, without sudden and violent transitions. (Compare punctuated equilibrium and catastrophism.)
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Example sentences
Gradualism, rather than campaign objectives, was the first divisive point between the military and its civilian leadership.
If the crisis drags on and claims more victims, gradualism could yet become more expensive than a more ambitious approach.
Gradualism in all matters was the obvious prescription.
In truth the prevailing mood is one of gradualism, not radicalism.
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