gradual

/ˈgrædʒuəl/

/ˈgrædʒuəl/

Other forms: graduals

Use the adjective gradual to describe something that happens slowly, bit by bit, like the gradual decrease in the amount of daylight in winter.

Gradual can also apply to the gentle slope of landforms like hills. A gradual incline seems to slowly rise — you may not even realize you're walking up such a hill. Gradual comes from the Latin word gradus, which means "step." Step by step, a gradual hill climbs, while a steep hill seems to leap up into the air.

Definitions of gradual

1. adjective

   proceeding in small stages
   “a gradual increase in prices”

   synonyms:

   slow

   not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

   bit-by-bit, in small stages, piecemeal, step-by-step, stepwise

   one thing at a time

   gradational, gradatory, graduated

   taking place by degrees

   antonyms:

   sudden

   happening without warning or in a short space of time

   fast

   acting or moving or capable of acting or moving quickly

   abrupt

   exceedingly sudden and unexpected

   choppy, jerky

   marked by abrupt transitions

   emergent

   occurring unexpectedly and requiring urgent action

   explosive

   sudden and loud

   fulminant

   sudden and severe

   sharp

   very sudden and in great amount or degree
2. adjective

   (of a topographical gradient) not steep or abrupt
   “a gradual slope”

   synonyms:

   easy, gentle

   marked by moderate steepness

   sloping

   having a slanting form or direction

   inclined

   at an angle to the horizontal or vertical position

   antonyms:

   steep

   having a sharp inclination

   abrupt, precipitous, sharp

   extremely steep

   bluff, bold, sheer

   very steep; having a prominent and almost vertical front

   heavy

   sharply inclined

   perpendicular

   extremely steep

   steepish

   somewhat steep

   steep-sided

   having very steep sides

   perpendicular, vertical

   at right angles to the plane of the horizon or a base line
3. noun

   (Roman Catholic Church) an antiphon (usually from the Book of Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass
   type of:

   antiphon, antiphony

   a verse or song to be chanted or sung in response