gradually
adv. US //ˈɡɹædʒuəɫi// UK //ɡɹˈædʒuːəli// grad·u·al·ly
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1 slowly over time (adv.) B1 Intermediatehappening slowly and in small steps over a period of time.
occurring by degrees or in a slow, progressive manner rather than suddenly.
ExampleThe sun went down and the sky gradually turned from blue to dark purple.
ExampleThe local economy began to recover gradually as new small businesses opened in the previously abandoned industrial district.
UsageTypically placed before the main verb or at the end of a clause to modify the pace of an action.
Teacher's tipLearners often confuse this with 'slowly'; explain that 'gradually' implies a series of small, connected steps or a smooth transition.
PitfallThe weather gradually became cold.The weather gradually became colder.When using 'gradually' to describe a change, it is more natural to use a comparative adjective like 'colder' or 'better'.
From gradual + -ly.