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Definition of Gradual
1. Adjective. Proceeding in small stages. "A gradual increase in prices"
Similar to: Bit-by-bit, In Small Stages, Piecemeal, Step-by-step, Stepwise, Gradational, Gradatory, Graduated
Derivative terms: Graduality, Gradualness
Antonyms: Sudden
2. Noun. (Roman Catholic Church) an antiphon (usually from the Book of Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass.
Category relationships: Church Of Rome, Roman Catholic, Roman Catholic Church, Roman Church, Western Church
3. Adjective. (of a topographical gradient) not steep or abrupt. "A gradual slope"
Definition of Gradual
1. a. Proceeding by steps or degrees; advancing, step by step, as in ascent or descent or from one state to another; regularly progressive; slow; as, a gradual increase of knowledge; a gradual decline.
2. n. An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.
Definition of Gradual
1. Adjective. Proceeding by steps or small degrees; advancing step by step, as in ascent or descent or from one state to another; regularly progressive; slow; as, a gradual increase of knowledge; a gradual decline. ¹
2. Noun. (context: 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. ¹
3. Noun. (context: Roman Catholic Church) A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Gradual
1. a hymn sung in alternate parts [n -S]
Medical Definition of Gradual
1. Taking place by a series of small changes over a long period, not sudden. This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology (11 Mar 2008)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Gradual
Literary usage of Gradual
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. An Introduction to Entomology by John Henry Comstock (1920)
"There is a gradual growth of the body and of the wing rudiments and genital
appendages. Fig. ... of metamorphosis is designated as gradual metamorphosis or ..."
2. Monographic Medicine by William Robie Patten Emerson, Guido Guerrini, William Brown, Wendell Christopher Phillips, John Whitridge Williams, John Appleton Swett, Hans Günther, Mario Mariotti, Hugh Grant Rowell (1916)
"We may determine the tolerance of a patient for carbohydrates by either one of
two methods: (1) after gradual withdrawal of carbohydrate foods; ..."
3. Technology Review by Massachusetts Institute of Technology Association of Class Secretaries, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Alumni Association (1901)
"to otter exceptions ; hut Hale has shown from their spectra that they can be so
arranged as to show a gradual transition from the accepted III type to the ..."
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