# gradual

/ˈɡɹædʒuəɫ/ (US) · /ɡɹˈædʒuːəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gradual
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. slow and steady

adjective · CEFR B1

happening or changing slowly over a long period of time.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a gentle slope

adjective · CEFR B2

rising or falling in a gentle way, not steep.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. religious music

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

a book of music or a specific song used during a traditional church service.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The path up the hill is a gradual slope.
- The company noticed a gradual increase in sales over the last six months.
- The transition from traditional manufacturing to fully automated systems was a gradual process that required extensive retraining for the existing workforce.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.