Word
gradually
Phoneticsgrad·u·al·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹædʒuəɫi/
UK/ɡɹˈædʒuːəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. happening slowly and in small steps over a period of time.
adv. occurring by degrees or in a slow, progressive manner rather than suddenly.
Examples
“The weather is gradually getting warmer as spring arrives.”
“The patient's health improved gradually over several months of physical therapy and rest.”
“The landscape was gradually reshaped by centuries of erosion, as the river carved a deep canyon through the soft limestone plateau.”
Examples
simple
“The weather is gradually getting warmer as spring arrives.”
contextual
“The patient's health improved gradually over several months of physical therapy and rest.”
complex
“The landscape was gradually reshaped by centuries of erosion, as the river carved a deep canyon through the soft limestone plateau.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “gradually” in context.
Verb
01. gradually develop
“Symptoms of the disease usually gradually develop over several months.”
adv + verb
02. gradually extend
“The company plans to gradually extend its services to other European countries.”
adv + verb
03. gradually increase
“You should gradually increase the intensity of your workout to avoid injury.”
adv + verb
04. gradually reduce
“The government aims to gradually reduce carbon emissions over the next decade.”
adv + verb
Usage
Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of a clause to modify the pace of an action.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this with 'slowly'; explain that 'gradually' implies a series of small, connected steps or a smooth transition.
Pitfall
The 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'.
Real-World Examples
“Gradually, they unearthed fragments of their family life - Moissés's shorts, Yusmani's Bible, and an unfinished shopping list - a sign they were getting closer to what had once been their home.” “As the sky darkened, gradually at first and then quickly, people broke into applause and cheered.” “In a recent press briefing, Warsh said the Fed cannot use a "magic wand" to undo years of above-target inflation and must stay patient as price growth cools gradually.” “A low drone gradually swells and rises, growls becoming notes.” Etymology
From gradual + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/gradually