Gradual

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈɡrædʒʊəl/

Definitions

• Proceeding by steps: Happening or changing in small, slow stages over time.
• Not abrupt: Occurring or advancing in small, incremental changes rather than in one sudden event.
• Measurable change: Used to describe a process or movement that is steady but not immediate or dramatic.

Usage Examples

• The weather change was gradual, with temperatures slowly rising over the week.
• She made gradual improvements to her fitness level over the course of several months.
• The company experienced a gradual increase in profits after launching the new product.

Etymology

The word "gradual" comes from the Latin "gradus," meaning "step," combined with the suffix "-al," which indicates an adjective describing something related to or characterized by. Thus, "gradual" essentially refers to something that happens in steps or stages.

Synonyms

• Progressive
• Slow
• Incremental
• Step-by-step
• Measured

Antonyms

• Sudden
• Abrupt
• Rapid
• Instantaneous
• Immediate

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, "gradual" is pronounced with a more distinct separation between syllables: /ˈɡræ.dʒʊ.əl/.
• In American English, the pronunciation tends to be slightly more fluid: /ˈɡræ.dʒə.wəl/.

Historical Usage

The word "gradual" has been used in English since the late 14th century, coming from the Latin "gradualis," meaning "pertaining to steps." Historically, it was often used in philosophical and scientific contexts to describe slow and steady processes, such as in the movement of the stars or the progression of natural events. Over time, it became common in everyday speech and writing to describe all kinds of gradual changes or movements.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the concept of "gradual" is associated with patience, steady progress, and long-term thinking. For example, in Eastern philosophies like Buddhism and Taoism, gradual progression is often seen as a wise approach to personal growth and enlightenment. In contrast, in some Western cultures, there may be a greater emphasis on rapid change or "quick results," with gradual processes sometimes viewed as less efficient.

More Information

The concept of gradual change is not only central to many natural and scientific processes but also plays a key role in education and self-improvement. Gradual learning, often referred to as progressive or incremental learning, emphasizes small, continuous steps toward a larger goal. In various fields such as economics, psychology, and even politics, gradualism is considered a valuable strategy to ensure stability while achieving change.