gradually

[graj-oo-uhl] Example Sentences

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.

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Gradually is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.

Origin:
1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin graduālis pertaining to steps, graduāle the part of the service sung as the choir stood on the altar steps, equivalent to Latin gradu(s) step, grade + -ālis -al1

grad·u·al·ly, adverb
grad·u·al·ness, noun
un·grad·u·al, adjective
un·grad·u·al·ly, adverb


1. See slow. 2. gentle.


1. sudden. 2. precipitous.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Example Sentences
  • Change came slowly, as governments and shippers gradually realized their existing approach wasn't working.
  • These kinds expand slowly and gradually from the center, so they're much easier to control than their running relations.
  • As daylight gradually crept in through the windows, the backyard of our farmhouse exploded with voices.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
gradual (ˈɡrædjʊəl)
 
adj
1.  occurring, developing, moving, etc, in small stages: a gradual improvement in health
2.  not steep or abrupt: a gradual slope
 
n
3.  (often capital) Christianity
 a.  an antiphon or group of several antiphons, usually from the Psalms, sung or recited immediately after the epistle at Mass
 b.  a book of plainsong containing the words and music of the parts of the Mass that are sung by the cantors and choir
 
[C16: from Medieval Latin graduālis relating to steps, from Latin gradus a step]
 
'gradually
 
adv
 
'gradualness
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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