gradual

noun

(Christianity) An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.

(Christianity) A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.

adjective

Proceeding or advancing by small, slow, regular steps or degrees

Roots

gradusgrad- · Latin · step, degree

Synonyms for gradual

inchmeal slowadj piecemealadv

Synonyms & related words for gradual

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Words related to gradual

Explore words related to gradual — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include gradational, gradualness, gradually, stepwise, gradualism, incrementalism, incrementally, progressively. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for gradual

Common synonyms for gradual include inchmeal, slow, piecemeal — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does gradual come from?

The word gradual breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root grad-, from Latin gradus (“step, degree”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.