early 15c., "having steps or ridges," from Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus "step" (see grade (n.)). Meaning "arranged by degrees" is from 1540s; that of " [..]

rising or falling by a small amount.

happening slowly, a bit at a time

slow; step by step

Definition adjective

gradual (pop)

A liturgical book containing a complete collection of the chants used in the Catholic Mass, arranged according to the liturgical year. Graduals were among the largest books produced during the Middle [..]

(n) (Roman Catholic Church) an antiphon (usually from the Book of Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass(adj) proceeding in small stages(adj) (of a topographical gradient) not steep or abrupt [..]

N M gradual (hymn)

Proceeding by steps or small degrees; advancing step by step, as in ascent or descent or from one state to another; regularly progressive; slow. ''a gradual increase of knowledge; a gradual declin [..]

lang=en 1800s=1813 * '''1813''' — . ''''. *: Elizabeth, still more affected, was earnest and solemn in her reply; and at length, by repeated assurances that Mr. Darcy was really the object of her c [..]