# gradually

/ˈɡɹædʒuəɫi/ (US) · /ɡɹˈædʒuːəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gradually
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. slowly over time

adverb · CEFR B1

happening slowly and in small steps over a period of time.

For teachers: occurring by degrees or in a slow, progressive manner rather than suddenly.

- The sun went down and the sky gradually turned from blue to dark purple.
- The local economy began to recover gradually as new small businesses opened in the previously abandoned industrial district.

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.

## 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.

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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.