gradually
word
/ˈɡɹædʒuəɫi/
/ɡɹˈædʒuːəli/
Definition
In a slow, step-by-step way; not happening all at once, but over a period of time.
Usage & Nuances
Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe slow change or progress. Common collocations: 'gradually increase', 'gradually disappear'. Do not confuse with 'immediately' or 'suddenly', which mean the opposite.
Spanish: gradualmente - poco a pocoPortuguese (BR): gradualmente - aos poucosPortuguese (PT): gradualmente - aos poucosChinese (Simplified): 逐渐地 - 慢慢地Chinese (Traditional): 逐漸地 - 慢慢地Hindi: धीरे-धीरेArabic: تَدْرِيجِيًّاBengali: ধীরে ধীরে - ক্রমেRussian: постепенноJapanese: 徐々に - だんだんVietnamese: dần dần - từ từKorean: 점차 - 서서히Turkish: yavaş yavaş - aşama aşamaUrdu: آہستہ آہستہ - بتدریجIndonesian: secara bertahap - perlahan-lahan
Example Sentences
The weather gradually got warmer in spring.
basic
She gradually improved her English skills.
basic
The pain gradually disappeared.
basic
He gradually got used to living in a new country.
natural
Traffic gradually increases in the morning as people go to work.
natural
If you keep practicing, you’ll gradually see results.
natural