gradual

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   proceeding in small stages

   a gradual increase in prices

2. 2
   adj

   (of a topographical gradient) not steep or abrupt

   a gradual slope

3. 3
   adj

   Proceeding or advancing by small, slow, regular steps or degrees

   a gradual increase of knowledge; a gradual decline

4. 4
   noun

   (Roman Catholic Church) an antiphon (usually from the Book of Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass

5. 5
   noun

   An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.

6. 6
   noun

   A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin graduālis, from Latin gradus (“step”), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰradʰ-, *gʰredʰ- (“to walk, go”). Cognate with Gothic 𐌲𐍂𐌹𐌸𐍃 (griþs, “step, grade”), Bavarian Gritt (“step, stride”).