Gradually

Slowly over a period of time; little by little, In stages or steps; progressively, With a slow and steady pace; not suddenly or abruptly

Gradually - Meanings

Slowly over a period of time; little by little

Example: She gradually learned to play the piano better with daily practice.

Usage: formalContext: academic or professional discussions

Note: Indicates a gradual progression or development over time.

In stages or steps; progressively

Example: The city's infrastructure was gradually improved over the years.

Usage: formalContext: technical reports or scientific research

Note: Suggests a systematic or incremental process of improvement.

With a slow and steady pace; not suddenly or abruptly

Example: The sun gradually rose over the horizon, illuminating the landscape.

Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations

Note: Used to describe a gentle or subtle change or transition.

Gradually's synonyms

Gradually means happening slowly over a period of time.

Example: The sun set gradually over the horizon.

Note: This is the original word being compared to its synonyms.

progressively

Progressively means in a gradually increasing manner.

Example: She became progressively more confident as the presentation went on.

Note: It emphasizes a continuous improvement or advancement.

steadily

Steadily means happening in a regular and continuous way.

Example: His savings grew steadily over the years.

Note: It suggests a consistent and stable rate of change.

incrementally

Incrementally means in small, gradual amounts or steps.

Example: The software was updated incrementally to improve its performance.

Note: It implies a step-by-step progression or enhancement.

Gradually expressions, common phrases

Little by little

This phrase means to make progress or achieve something slowly and steadily over time.

Example: I'm saving money for a trip little by little each month.

Note: This phrase emphasizes the incremental progress compared to the word 'gradually.'

Step by step

To do something step by step means to proceed gradually, one stage at a time.

Example: Learning a new language requires taking it step by step, starting with basic vocabulary.

Note: It suggests a more structured approach compared to the word 'gradually.'

Bit by bit

Doing something bit by bit means making progress in small increments or pieces.

Example: She's getting better at painting bit by bit with practice.

Note: It implies a slower and more fragmented progression than 'gradually.'

Inch by inch

This phrase means making very slow and steady progress, often in a challenging situation.

Example: He's gaining the trust of his colleagues inch by inch through hard work.

Note: It suggests a meticulous and painstaking advancement compared to 'gradually.'

Day by day

To see changes day by day means to notice gradual improvement over a period of time.

Example: Her health is improving day by day after the surgery.

Note: It emphasizes the progression on a daily basis compared to the word 'gradually.'

Slowly but surely

This phrase means making progress steadily, even if it is slow.

Example: He's working on his thesis, slowly but surely making progress.

Note: It highlights the certainty of progress despite a slow pace, different from 'gradually.'

By degrees

To change or progress by degrees means to do so gradually or by small amounts.

Example: She adapted to the new environment by degrees, gradually feeling more comfortable.

Note: It suggests a progression in small increments or stages, similar to 'gradually.'

Gradually everyday (slang) expressions

Gradual like a turtle

This phrase implies that something is happening slowly and steadily, similar to how a turtle moves.

Example: He's getting his work done, but gradual like a turtle.

Note: The slang term makes a direct comparison to the slow pace of a turtle, emphasizing a slower and more deliberate progression.

Crawling like a snail

This expression suggests that progress is being made at a very slow pace, similar to a snail's movement.

Example: The construction was moving forward, but crawling like a snail.

Note: Compared to 'gradually,' this term emphasizes an even slower and more sluggish rate of progression.

Bit by bloody bit

This informal saying emphasizes the slow and steady process of doing something bit by bit, but with a sense of urgency or intensity conveyed by 'bloody.'

Example: I'm fixing this car, bit by bloody bit.

Note: The addition of 'bloody' adds an element of emphasis or intensity compared to just saying 'bit by bit.'

Piece by piece

This phrase indicates a slow and methodical process of putting something together or rebuilding it gradually.

Example: She's rebuilding the old house, piece by piece.

Note: While similar in meaning to 'gradually,' 'piece by piece' focuses on doing something in individual parts rather than a continuous process.

Leisurely pace

This term describes a slow, relaxed, and unhurried speed or manner of activity.

Example: They strolled through the park at a leisurely pace.

Note: Unlike 'gradually,' which simply means slowly over time, 'leisurely pace' implies a laid-back and enjoyable approach to progressing through a task or activity.

One step at a time

This expression means taking things slowly and proceeding through a task methodically, focusing on completing one part before moving to the next.

Example: She's tackling her assignments one step at a time.

Note: While similar to 'gradually,' 'one step at a time' emphasizes a systematic and orderly approach to completing a task, often implying a slower pace.

Gradually - Examples

Gradually, the sun began to set behind the mountains.

She gradually became more confident in her abilities.

The company is gradually expanding its operations overseas.

Gradually grammar

Gradually - Adverb (Adverb) / Adverb (Adverb)

Lemma: gradually

Conjugations

Adverb (Adverb): gradually

Syllables, Separation and Stress

gradually Contains 3 syllables: grad • u • al

Phonetic transcription: ˈgra-jə-wəl

grad u al , ˈgra jə wəl (The red syllable is stressed)

Gradually - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

gradually: ~ 2300 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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