Gradually: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：slowly and steadily (gradually)

gradually 🔊

/ˈɡrædʒuəli/

adv.

Happening slowly over a period of time, little by little.

Gradually sun rising over calm sea horizon timelapse

slowly and steadily 🔊

➕

/ˈsloʊli ænd ˈstɛdɪli/

adv.

Happening or moving in a slow, steady way over time, often with small increments.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'gradus' (step) + '-ally' (adverbial suffix), meaning step by step.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'grade' – each grade you pass, you gradually advance.

📖 Example

By practicing a little every day, gradually your English will improve. 🔊 With daily practice, your English will improve gradually.

🔗 Collocations

gradually increase – increase little by little

gradually decrease – decrease in small steps

gradually improve – become better over time

🔄 Synonyms

slowly (adv.) – at a low speed or pace

steadily (adv.) – in a consistent and continuous manner

progressively (adv.) – advancing step by step

🚫 Antonyms

suddenly (adv.) – happening quickly and unexpectedly

abruptly (adv.) – suddenly and without warning

immediately (adv.) – without any delay

🌱 Derivatives

gradual (adj.) – taking place in small stages

gradualness (n.) – the quality of being gradual

📖 Cultural Story

Evolved from Latin 'gradualis' (by degrees), related to 'grade'. Used since 16th century to describe slow, continuous change. Common in scientific and educational contexts.