easy
The climb became gradual near the top.
What does Gradual mean?
Gradual means slow and step by step.
Dictionary definition
Happening slowly over time or in small steps, not suddenly.
Example sentences
Gradual in a sentence
medium
Her reading improved through gradual practice.
hard
A gradual change can be hard to notice at first because it happens little by little.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice gradual in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Gradual
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does gradual mean?
Gradual describes something that happens little by little over time.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses gradual correctly?
Growth that happens slowly over weeks is gradual.
Practice 3
Which word is most opposite to gradual?
Sudden means happening quickly, unlike gradual.
Practice complete
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Gradual
Voice settings
Sounds like
graj · oo · ul · strongest beat: graj
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordGradual.
Partadjective.
MeaningGradual means slow and step by step.
ExampleExample: The climb became gradual near the top.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- graj · oo · ul
- Strongest beat
- graj
- Ending
- ul
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on graj.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Gradual
slowHappening without speed.
step-by-stepHappening in small stages.
progressiveDeveloping or increasing over time.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice gradual synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The gradual change in color was easy to see," then compare close word choices. Practice gradual synonyms.
Word family
Gradual word family
Related words
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Student support
Understand Gradual
Hint for students
Gradual means slow and step by step.
Common mix-up
Gradual is not the same as sudden. Gradual means gradual means slow and step by step.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: Her reading improved through gradual practice. Clue words: reading, improved, through. Underline clue words that show why gradual fits instead of sudden. Now write one new sentence that shows gradual without using the word gradual. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show gradual?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Her reading improved through gradual practice." Why does gradual fit better than sudden?
Learning activities
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