gradual

Alternative forms

• graduall (obsolete)

Etymology

From Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus (“step”), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰradʰ-, *gʰredʰ- (“to walk, go”). Cognate with Gothic 𐌲𐍂𐌹𐌸𐍃 (griþs, “step, grade”), Bavarian Gritt (“step, stride”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɡɹædʒuəl/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: grad‧u‧al

Adjective

gradual (comparative more gradual, superlative most gradual)

1. Proceeding by steps or small degrees; advancing step by step, as in ascent or descent or from one state to another; regularly progressive; slow.

   a gradual increase of knowledge; a gradual decline

   • Milton

     Creatures animate with gradual life / Of growth, sense, reason, all summed up in man.

Noun

gradual (plural graduals)

1. (Roman Catholic Church) An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.
2. (Roman Catholic Church) A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.

Adjective

gradual (masculine and feminine plural graduals)

1. gradual

Adjective

gradual m, f (plural graduais, comparable)

1. Prodecing by steps or small grades; gradual.

Adjective

gradual (plural graduales)

1. gradual

Noun

gradual m (plural graduales)

1. (Roman Catholic Church) gradual