What does gradual mean?
Gradual describes something that develops, changes, or proceeds in small stages rather than all at once. It is commonly used with increases, declines, improvements, changes, and progress, as in “a gradual recovery” or “a gradual shift in public opinion.” The word often suggests a steady and deliberate movement whose stages may be easy to overlook individually even though their cumulative effect is significant. A gradual slope rises or falls gently, contrasting with a steep or abrupt one. Its connotations are generally measured, methodical, and non-disruptive, though the pace may sometimes be criticized as slow. In standard usage, “gradually” is the corresponding adverb, while the adjective “gradual” focuses on the character of a process or change. The word ultimately comes from Latin gradus, “step,” reflecting its original sense of advancement through successive degrees.
Proceeding by small degrees or stages; happening slowly and incrementally. Also, rising or falling gently.
"The gradual change in the syllabus gave teachers time to prepare."
This is the ordinary modern use. It is especially common with changes, increases, declines, progress, and slopes.
A liturgical chant sung in the Mass, traditionally after the Epistle and before the Gospel.
"The gradual is performed by the choir during the service."
This is a specialized religious-musical use and is uncommon in general English.
The plural is used when referring to more than one gradual chant.
"The choir sang two graduals during the service."
Gradual comes from the Latin gradus, meaning “step”: its core idea has always been getting somewhere one step at a time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gradual come from?
The adjective entered English through French graduel in the early 17th century. French graduel came from Latin gradualis, an adjective derived from gradus, meaning “step” or “degree.” Related English words such as grade, degree, gradient, and progress reflect the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How gradual is actually used
Gradual is standard in formal and informal English. It is particularly common for changes, increases, decreases, progress, and slopes. The adverb is normally “gradually.” In religious music, “gradual” is also a rare noun for a specific liturgical chant.
Easily confused with gradual
Gradual is an adjective meaning proceeding by small degrees, while graduate is a noun or verb referring to someone who has completed a course of study or to the act of completing one.
Gradual means slow or incremental, whereas grateful means thankful.