gradation

/ɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /grā-ˈdā-shən grə-/ (ame, mw)

gradation — noun

  • gradationsingular
  • gradationsplural

1. A slow step-by-step movement from one state, level, or condition to another, whe

1.名詞B2
釋義

A slow step-by-step movement from one state, level, or condition to another, where each small step brings you closer to the final result; also one of those steps considered on its own.

例句

Amir noticed a subtle gradation in the forest colours as autumn moved through October.

gradation in [natural scenery]

The artist painted a smooth gradation from deep blue to soft yellow across the whole canvas.

gradation from X to Y

同義詞
  • stage

    More general; a stage is any distinct period or step, while a gradation emphasises the continuous nature of the shift

  • phase

    Suggests a temporary period within a repeating cycle; gradation is more about movement along a scale

  • degree

    Focuses on the amount or intensity of a quality rather than the process of moving between levels

  • shade

    Restricted to colour or subtle variations; narrower than gradation, which applies to non-visual domains too

反義詞
  • leap

    A sudden large jump from one state to another, the opposite of moving in small steps

  • gap

    An empty space between two levels, suggesting discontinuity rather than a smooth series

文法句型

gradation + of + [something]

gradation + between + [things]

gradation + from + [start] + to + [end]

用法筆記

Often accompanied by prepositions 'of' ('a gradation of tones'), 'between' ('gradation between states'), or 'from…to' ('gradation from red to orange'). The word is common in writing about art, nature, and social structure.

常見錯誤

❌There was a gradation in the weather today.
✅The weather changed gradually today.
💡Gradation describes a visible series of small steps or levels, not any kind of change.
❌I noticed a gradation in his mood.
✅I noticed a gradual change in his mood.
💡Use the adjective 'gradual' with everyday nouns; 'gradation' sounds overly technical for casual emotional states.

2. Any printed or carved line on a container or measuring tool that marks a specifi

2.名詞B2
釋義

Any printed or carved line on a container or measuring tool that marks a specific amount or level, such as millilitres, degrees, or other measurement units.

例句

Sofia poured milk up to the 500-millilitre gradation on the glass measuring jug.

gradation on [measuring container]

The old thermometer outside the kitchen window has gradations marked every two degrees Celsius.

同義詞
  • mark

    More general and informal; 'mark' is the everyday word, while 'gradation' is more technical

  • tick

    Informal British English for a small line on a scale

  • division

    Refers to the space between two marks rather than the mark itself

文法句型

gradation + on + [instrument]

gradation + marked + [amount] + apart

用法筆記

Common in scientific, medical, and cooking contexts. The noun is frequently used in the plural ('gradations') because measuring tools usually have multiple marks. Distinguish from sense 1: here the focus is on a physical printed or etched line, not an abstract step of change.

常見錯誤

❌The ruler has gradations in centimetres.
✅The ruler has marks in centimetres.
💡'Gradation' sounds overly technical for everyday rulers; use 'mark' or 'line' instead.
❌Pour water to the second gradation.
✅Pour water to the second mark.
💡In instructions for everyday containers (measuring cups, jugs), 'mark' is the natural word.