gradual
/ˈɡrædʒuəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡrædʒuəl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgra-jə-wəl -jəl, ˈgraj-wəl/ (ame, mw)
gradual — adjective
- gradualpositive
- more gradualcomparative
- most gradualsuperlative
1. unfolding through many small steps across an extended stretch of time, rather th
unfolding through many small steps across an extended stretch of time, rather than happening in a single moment.
The medical team reported a gradual improvement in the patient's lung function.
gradual + improvement
There has been a gradual shift in public opinion about recycling and plastic waste.
My grandmother noticed a gradual decline in her hearing over the past two years.
The city has seen a gradual rise in bike lanes over the past decade.
With gradual training, the rescue dog learned to trust people again.
- progressive
emphasises forward movement through clear stages; more formal than 'gradual'
- incremental
focuses on small, step-by-step additions; common in business and finance
- slow
simpler and less specific; can imply delay rather than steady change
文法句型
gradual + noun (change, increase, decline, improvement)
be + gradual (e.g. the process was gradual)
用法筆記
Often describes change, development, or processes. The noun that follows 'gradual' names what is changing — for example, increase, decline, recovery, shift, or improvement. Not used for sudden events.
常見錯誤
2. having a slope that rises or falls at a low angle, so that walking or moving up
having a slope that rises or falls at a low angle, so that walking or moving up it does not require much effort.
The hiking trail follows a gradual slope to the mountain hut, suitable for beginners.
gradual slope
Engineers designed a gradual incline so that wheelchairs could move up without help from others.
gradual incline
From the road, a gradual rise leads to the front entrance of the old farmhouse.
The driveway has a gradual gradient, so cars do not scrape their bumpers when entering.
Putri chose a garden spot on a gradual slope where rainwater would drain away easily.
文法句型
gradual + slope / incline / gradient / rise
be + gradual (e.g. the slope was gradual)
用法筆記
Used only for physical slopes, gradients, and land surfaces — not for figurative or abstract concepts. When describing a road, path, or piece of land, 'gentle' is an informal synonym.
常見錯誤
gradual — noun
1. in the Roman Catholic tradition, a short biblical chant that is performed during
in the Roman Catholic tradition, a short biblical chant that is performed during Mass right after the Epistle has been read; also, the book that collects all such chants.
The choir practised the gradual for Easter Sunday Mass until every voice was in harmony.
Scholars study medieval graduals to understand how early Christian music spread across Europe.
noun sense; liturgical book
The musicologist identified the gradual as coming from a 12th-century French monastery.
The library's rare collection includes a beautifully illustrated gradual printed in 1480.
- responsorial psalm
the modern equivalent in the Catholic Mass; more widely understood today
- alleluia verse
a related chant sung after the gradual during certain seasons; not interchangeable
文法句型
the + Gradual (as a specific chant)
a + gradual (a particular instance or book)
用法筆記
This is a specialised term used in Roman Catholic liturgy and musicology. Outside of religious or academic contexts, it is rarely encountered. When capitalised ('the Gradual'), it often refers to the official liturgical book; in lowercase ('a gradual'), it refers to a specific chant or passage.