gradually
gradually
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "gradually" is /ˈɡrædʒ.u.ə.li/.
grad: /ˈɡrædʒ/
u: /u/
al: /ə/
ly: /li/
Word Form Variations
Adverb: gradually
Adjective: gradual
Noun: gradualness (singular), gradation (singular, plural: gradations)
Verb: graduate (base form), graduates (third person singular present), graduated (past tense, past participle), graduating (present participle)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Gradually
In a slow, steady, and step-by-step manner; by degrees.
Synonyms: slowly, progressively, steadily, incrementally, by degrees, step-by-step
Antonyms: suddenly, abruptly, rapidly, quickly, immediately, instantly
Adjective
Gradual
Happening or changing in small stages or degrees; not sudden or abrupt.
Synonyms: slow, progressive, steady, incremental, gentle, subtle
Antonyms: sudden, abrupt, rapid, quick, immediate, sharp
Noun
Gradualness
The quality or state of being gradual; slowness and steadiness of progression.
Synonyms: slowness, steadiness, progression, deliberateness
Antonyms: suddenness, abruptness, rapidity
Gradation
A scale or series of successive changes, stages, or degrees.
Synonyms: progression, scale, sequence, continuum, spectrum
Antonyms: uniformity, sameness, randomness
Verb
Graduate
To pass from one stage of a process to the next; to move up by degrees.
Synonyms: progress, advance, move on, proceed
Antonyms: regress, revert, decline
To successfully complete an academic degree, course of study, or training.
Synonyms: complete, qualify, pass, earn a degree
Antonyms: drop out, fail, discontinue
Examples of Use
Books
Non-fiction (Science/History): Authors often describe processes that unfold over time. A biology textbook might explain how species "gradually evolve over millions of years" (Pearson, January 2023). A history book could detail how a society "gradually shifted towards democracy."
Fiction: Novels depict characters or situations changing "gradually." "The old house gradually fell into disrepair." A protagonist might gradually realize the truth.
Self-help/Business: These books often advise making changes "gradually" for sustainable results. "You can gradually build new habits by starting small" (Avery, October 2018).
Newspapers
News Articles (Economy/Environment): Journalists report on trends that change over time. A financial report might state, "Inflation is gradually decreasing, offering relief to consumers" (The Wall Street Journal, July 2025). Environmental articles discuss how glaciers are "gradually melting."
Health Sections: Articles might recommend "gradually increasing exercise intensity" or how a patient is "gradually recovering" after an illness.
Obituaries: Sometimes describe how an individual's health "gradually declined."
Online Publications
Fitness/Wellness Blogs: Many blogs advise users to "gradually increase their workout load" or "gradually incorporate new foods into their diet." "How to gradually introduce solid foods to your baby."
Tech Reviews: Reviewers might comment on how a software update "gradually rolled out to users" or how a device's performance "gradually slows down over time."
Social Media: Users might post about their progress in a project, noting how it's "gradually coming together." People share transformation photos, showing how their appearance "gradually changed."
Educational Websites: Tutorials might guide learners to "gradually increase the complexity of the problems they solve."
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows (Drama/Thriller): Narratives often show characters undergoing a transformation that occurs "gradually." A suspenseful scene might depict a light "gradually dimming." Dialogue could include, "I gradually came to understand his motives."
Music: Song lyrics sometimes describe emotions or situations that change "gradually." "The night wind gradually softened."
Video Games: Game difficulty might gradually increase as players progress. Weather effects might gradually shift from clear skies to rain.
Documentaries: Documentaries often use time-lapse photography to show natural processes that occur "gradually," such as plant growth or erosion.
Podcasts: Historical podcasts might describe how political movements "gradually gained momentum." Self-help podcasts might discuss "gradually overcoming limiting beliefs."
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "The pain is gradually getting better," or "She's gradually adjusting to her new job." "The project is gradually taking shape."
Workplace: Colleagues discuss plans to "gradually implement new procedures" or how productivity is "gradually improving."
Education: Teachers might advise students to "gradually build their skills" or observe how a child's reading ability is "gradually improving."
Personal Development: Individuals often talk about gradually working towards personal goals like learning a new language or skill.
Everyday Observations: "Gradually, the leaves began to change color as autumn approached."
10 Quotes Using Gradually
"The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion. Change happens gradually." (Paulo Coelho)
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And then, gradually, another."
"Truth, like light, gradually emerges from the shadows of ignorance."
"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. They are built gradually." (Vincent Van Gogh)
"The human spirit, through perseverance, can gradually overcome even the most formidable obstacles."
"Wisdom is not gained in a single flash, but gradually, through reflection and experience."
"As the river carves the canyon, so too does consistent effort gradually shape destiny."
"The most profound transformations in life often unfold quietly and gradually."
"He who learns patiently, gradually masters even the most complex subjects."
"Trust is built gradually, through countless small acts of integrity and reliability."
Etymology
The word "eagle" has a long and interesting history!
Roots: It comes from the Latin word "aquila," which likely referred to the dark color of some eagle feathers.
Journey to English: Over time, "aquila" traveled through languages like Old French ("aigle") before arriving in English.
Early Use: The earliest known use of "eagle" in English was around the 14th century, and it simply meant the large bird of prey we know today.
So, essentially, the word "eagle" has its roots in the Latin word for a bird with dark feathers, and it's been used in English to describe this majestic creature for centuries!
10 Quotes Using Gradually
"The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion. Change happens gradually." (Paulo Coelho)
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And then, gradually, another."
"Truth, like light, gradually emerges from the shadows of ignorance."
"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. They are built gradually." (Vincent Van Gogh)
"The human spirit, through perseverance, can gradually overcome even the most formidable obstacles."
"Wisdom is not gained in a single flash, but gradually, through reflection and experience."
"As the river carves the canyon, so too does consistent effort gradually shape destiny."
"The most profound transformations in life often unfold quietly and gradually."
"He who learns patiently, gradually masters even the most complex subjects."
"Trust is built gradually, through countless small acts of integrity and reliability."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of gradually from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
