Gradually — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /ˈgra-jə-wəl/ grad·u·al

Meaning & Definition of Gradually

Gradually (adjective)

  1. moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees
  2. proceeding by steps or degrees

Gradually (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. by small steps or amounts

    "gradually worked his way down the class roster"

    "add the sugar to the beaten egg whites gradually to make the meringue"

    similar: gradationally, inchmeal, little by little, piece by piece, piecemeal, bit by bit, by degrees, inch by inch
    related: hierarchically, crescively, increasingly, progressively, fractionally, imperceptibly, slowly
    opposite: abruptly, suddenly
    near: acutely, sharply, steeply, hastily, precipitously

Related Entry: Gradual (adjective)

Gradual is a different word from Gradually. The synonyms below are for gradual, not for gradually.

  1. proceeding or changing by steps or degrees

    "a gradual drop in gas prices will take place over the next several months"

    similar: gradational, incremental, phased, piecemeal, step-by-step
    related: progressive, stepped, tapered, imperceptible, inching, decrescent, increscent
    opposite: abrupt, sudden
    near: discontinuous, saltatory, acute, sharp, changeable, dynamic, meteoric, volatile

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Gradually

The most common words with a similar meaning to Gradually:

gradationally, inchmeal, little by little, piece by piece, piecemeal, bit by bit, by degrees, inch by inch

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Gradually

Words with the opposite meaning of Gradually:

abruptly, suddenly

Related Words for Gradually

hierarchically, crescively, increasingly, progressively, fractionally, imperceptibly, slowly

Near Antonyms of Gradually

acutely, sharply, steeply, hastily, precipitously

Word Forms of Gradually

Derived words: gradually (adverb), gradualness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Gradually

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

First known use: 1658

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Gradually

Frequently Asked Questions about Gradually

What does "Gradually" mean?

"Gradually" means moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees.

What is another word for "Gradually"?

Other words for "Gradually" include gradationally, inchmeal, little by little, piece by piece, piecemeal, bit by bit, by degrees and inch by inch. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Gradually" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Gradually"?

There are 15 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Gradually". Common alternatives include gradationally, inchmeal, little by little, piece by piece, piecemeal, bit by bit, by degrees and inch by inch.

What is the opposite of "Gradually"?

Antonyms of "Gradually" include abruptly and suddenly. Near antonyms include acutely, sharply, steeply and hastily.

How do you use "Gradually" in a sentence?

Examples of "Gradually" in a sentence: "gradually worked his way down the class roster"; "add the sugar to the beaten egg whites gradually to make the meringue".

Is "Gradually" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Gradually" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

Is "Gradually" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Gradually" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Gradually"?

"Gradually" is pronounced /ˈgra-jə-wəl/ and divided into syllables as grad·u·al.