gradual
Slow and steady
Gradual means happening slowly, by degrees rather than all at once.
A gradual increase in temperature differs from a sudden spike.
Gradual change accumulates over time, often imperceptibly in the moment but noticeable in retrospect.
The word implies steady progression without abrupt shifts: a gradual slope, gradual improvement.
Proceeding by degrees
- bit-by-bitIn gradual increments
- piecemealIn separate stages
- sequentialOccurring in succession
- staggeredShocked or unevenly spaced
additive · cumulative · accumulative · escalating · building · accrual · progressive · phased
Consciously chosen, not accidental
- pacedWalked back and forth
- calculatedFigured out mathematically
- controlledKept within limits
- temperedStrengthened through heat treatment
moderate · cautious · unhurried · patient · careful · regulated · restrained · slow
Cannot be sensed
delicate · soft · understated · unobtrusive · muted · indistinct · creeping · insidious
Fixed, not fluctuating
- sustainedKept up continuously
- uninterruptedContinuing without a stop
- unbrokenNot damaged or interrupted
- seamlessWithout visible joins
constant · persistent · progressive · unremitting · unfaltering · even · smooth · flowing
Repetitive rhythmic phrase
- massQuantity of matter
- liturgicalOf public worship rites
- plainchantUnaccompanied liturgical melody
- antiphonAlternating liturgical song
psalmody · Gregorian · processional · introit · alleluia
stepwise
Proceeding by degrees
- bit-by-bitIn gradual increments
- piecemealIn separate stages
- sequentialOccurring in succession
staggered · additive · cumulative · accumulative · escalating · building · accrual · progressive · phased · staged
deliberate
Consciously chosen, not accidental
- pacedWalked back and forth
- calculatedFigured out mathematically
- controlledKept within limits
tempered · moderate · cautious · unhurried · patient · careful · regulated · restrained · slow · leisurely
incline
Angled rising surface
rise · decline · pitch · slant · ramp · tilt · hillside · elevation · graded · sloping
imperceptible
Cannot be sensed
nuanced · delicate · soft · understated · unobtrusive · muted · indistinct · creeping · insidious · unnoticed
steady
Fixed, not fluctuating
- sustainedKept up continuously
- uninterruptedContinuing without a stop
- unbrokenNot damaged or interrupted
seamless · constant · persistent · progressive · unremitting · unfaltering · even · smooth · flowing · ongoing
chant
Repetitive rhythmic phrase
- massQuantity of matter
- liturgicalOf public worship rites
- plainchantUnaccompanied liturgical melody
antiphon · psalmody · Gregorian · processional · introit · alleluia
gradualsudden
Occurring without prior notice
abrupt · instantaneous · immediate · rapid · overnight
gradualdiscontinuous
Having breaks or gaps
abrupt · intermittent · jerky · choppy · erratic
gradualsteep
Rising at sharp angle
precipitous · sheer · abrupt · sharp · perpendicular
- graduate schoolInstitution awarding advanced degrees
- college graduate
- high school graduateOne who completed secondary education
- graduate degreeAcademic credential requiring prior diploma
- graduate studentAdvanced degree candidate
- gradual reduction
graduate, gradually, graduated, undergraduate, graduates, graduating, graduate school, postgraduate, gradualism