Definition of GRADUAL

gradual

Meanings

Plural: graduals

Noun

  • (Roman Catholic Church) an antiphon (usually from the Book of Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass
  • An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.
  • A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.

Adjective

  • proceeding in small stages
    • "a gradual increase in prices"
  • (of a topographical gradient) not steep or abrupt
    • "a gradual slope"

Adj

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

Origin / 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”).

Antonyms

abrupt, steep, sudden

Scrabble Score: 9

gradual is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
gradual is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
gradual is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 12

gradual is a valid Words With Friends word