gradually
adv. manner B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈɡɹædʒuəɫi// UK //ɡɹˈædʒuːəli// grad·u·al·ly
adv. happening slowly over a long period of time rather than all at once.
adv. occurring by degrees or in small stages; characterized by a slow, steady progression.
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.
From gradual + -ly.
Usage
Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of a clause to modify the pace of an action.
Pitfall
The change was gradually.The change was gradual.Learners often use the adverb 'gradually' after a linking verb like 'be' instead of the adjective 'gradual'.