adjective

gradual

GRAJ-oo-ul/ˈɡrædʒuəl/

Happening slowly in small steps or degrees.

The four stages show the bean plant's gradual growth from sprout to leafy plant.

Four small pots show successive stages of the same bean plant: emerging sprout, two-leaf seedling, taller plant, leafy young plant, progressing slowly left to right.

Etymology

Gradual first described something having steps or ridges, then something arranged by degrees. Applied to events, the same image means taking place in small stages rather than all at once.

In context

Back to Ancient138:37

There is no definitive trail of gradual adoption, no clear intermediary stages linking one system to the other. Instead, as with the architecture, the technology appears in a relatively mature form

5 HOURS OF Unexplained Ancient Archaeological Mysteries To Fall Asleep

More examples

We expect a gradual rise in temperatures this week.
The school plans a gradual transition to the new schedule.
The change is so gradual that we barely notice it.

Forms

gradual · more gradual · most gradual

gradually adverb — Slowly, in small steps or degrees.

Similar words

incremental: Emphasizes separate small increases or steps, not necessarily slow change.
slow: Describes low speed without necessarily suggesting small steps.