Word
gradual
Phoneticsgrad·u·al, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹædʒuəɫ/
UK/ɡɹˈædʒuːəl/
Definitions
01slow and steady
B1 · Intermediate
adj. happening or changing slowly over a long period of time.
adj. proceeding or advancing by small, regular steps or degrees rather than abruptly.
“The doctor noticed a gradual improvement in the patient's health over the month.”
“The transition to renewable energy will be a gradual process requiring significant infrastructure investment over several decades.”
Synonyms
02a gentle slope
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. rising or falling in a gentle way, not steep.
adj. describing a slope or incline that rises or falls at a low angle.
“The path up the hill is a gradual climb, so it is not too difficult.”
“The road follows a gradual incline toward the mountain pass, making it accessible for heavy transport vehicles even in winter.”
03religious music
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Religion Formal · Technical
n. a book of music or a specific song used during a traditional church service.
n. a liturgical book containing the musical portions of the Mass, or a response sung after the Epistle.
“The choir practiced the gradual for the special Sunday service.”
“The museum's collection includes a beautifully illuminated medieval gradual, featuring intricate gold leaf and Gregorian notation.”
Usage
In modern English, this noun sense is almost exclusively found in historical or theological contexts.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “gradual” in context.
Adjective
01. gradual decline
“The town has seen a gradual decline in its population over the last decade.”
adj + noun
02. gradual improvement
“Doctors noticed a gradual improvement in the patient's health after the surgery.”
adj + noun
03. gradual increase
“There has been a gradual increase in the number of people working from home.”
adj + noun
04. gradual process
“Learning a new language is a gradual process that requires a lot of patience.”
adj + noun
05. gradual transition
“The company is planning a gradual transition to renewable energy sources.”
adj + noun
06. gradual withdrawal
07. gradual challenge
08. gradual procedure
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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