gradually
GRAD-zhoo-uh-lee
Gradually (adverb) means Slowly, in small steps over time, rather than all at once. Example: “Gradually, the crowd thinned out until only a few people were left in the square.”
adverb
1
Slowly, in small steps over time, rather than all at once.
"Gradually, the crowd thinned out until only a few people were left in the square."
"The weather gradually improved as the week went on."
"He gradually built up his confidence in public speaking."
How to use gradually
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBit by bit, over time, rather than suddenly.
Common pairings
gradually increase
gradually improve
change gradually
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more gradually
- Superlative
- most gradually
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, the crowd thinned out until only a few people were left in the square.
Etymology
From gradual plus the adverb suffix -ly.
Synonyms
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slowly
steadily
incrementally
piecemeal
sluggishly
step by step
bit by bit
by degrees
by inches
continually
footmeal
inch by inch
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for gradually
See all rhymes for gradually →Frequently asked questions
What does “gradually” mean?
The word “gradually” means slowly, in small steps over time, rather than all at once. In plain terms, bit by bit, over time, rather than suddenly.
How do you pronounce “gradually”?
“Gradually” is pronounced GRAD-zhoo-uh-lee (/ˈɡɹæd͡ʒuəli/ in IPA).
How do you use “gradually” in a sentence?
Here is “gradually” used in a sentence: “The weather gradually improved as the week went on.”
What is another word for “gradually”?
Words with a similar meaning to “gradually” include sluggishly, step by step, bit by bit, by degrees, by inches and continually.
What is the opposite of “gradually”?
The opposite of “gradually” — its antonyms — are abruptly, suddenly and suddently.
What part of speech is “gradually”?
“Gradually” is an adverb.
Is “gradually” a common word?
“Gradually” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "gradually" and "suddenly"?
"Gradually" means slowly and in small steps over time, while "suddenly" means quickly and without warning. They are opposites: a gradual change unfolds bit by bit, a sudden one happens all at once.
What is the difference between "gradually" and "eventually"?
"Gradually" describes how something happens, slowly and in stages. "Eventually" describes when, meaning at some later point, regardless of speed. A change can happen gradually and reach its result eventually.
Where does "gradually" go in a sentence?
"Gradually" usually sits before the main verb ("prices gradually rose") or at the start of a sentence for emphasis ("Gradually, things improved"). It can also follow the verb, as in "the sky darkened gradually."
What is the difference between "gradually" and "slowly"?
Both suggest a lack of speed, but "slowly" simply means at a low speed, while "gradually" stresses change happening in small steps or stages. Something can move slowly without changing, whereas "gradually" always implies progression.
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