easy
The sky gradually grew darker.
What does Gradually mean?
Gradually means slowly or little by little.
Dictionary definition
Slowly over time or little by little, rather than all at once.
Example sentences
Gradually in a sentence
medium
He gradually learned the new routine.
hard
Skills often improve gradually through steady practice and feedback.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Gradually
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does gradually mean?
Gradually describes something happening slowly over time.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses gradually correctly?
Melting slowly over time is happening gradually.
Practice 3
Which word is most opposite to gradually?
Instantly means immediately, the opposite of gradually.
Practice complete
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Gradually
Voice settings
Sounds like
graj · oo · uh · lee · strongest beat: graj
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordGradually.
Partadverb.
MeaningGradually means slowly or little by little.
ExampleExample: The sky gradually grew darker.
Word breakdown
4 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- graj · oo · uh · lee
- Strongest beat
- graj
- Ending
- lee
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on graj.
Your turn
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Nice work—you practiced gradually.
Synonyms
Words like Gradually
slowlyNot quickly.
little by littleIn small steps over time.
step by stepOne stage at a time.
Antonyms
Opposite words
suddenlyQuickly or unexpectedly.
instantlyImmediately or all at once.
Synonym practice
Want to practice gradually synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The old dog moved slowly across the yard," then compare close word choices. Practice gradually synonyms.
Word family
Gradually word family
Base word
gradually
adjective
gradual
Happening slowly over time.
noun
gradualness
The quality of happening slowly.
Related words
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