Cool MateGradually
UK /["/ˈɡrædʒuəli/"]/US /["/ˈɡrædʒuəli/"]/
Definition
slowly, over a long period of time
In simple words: slowly over time
Examples
- to **gradually increase/decrease**
- The weather gradually improved.
- Gradually, the children began to understand.
- She was **gradually becoming** conscious of aches and pains caused by the long, tiring flight.
Usage notes
Use 'gradually' when describing changes that happen slowly. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English but may sound too formal in casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
gradually + verb
Memory hint
Think of 'gradual' as 'gradually getting better' like climbing a staircase one step at a time.
Collocations
- gradually improve
- gradually increase
- gradually change
- gradually develop
Synonyms
- slowly
- progressively
- steadily
- incrementally
- bit by bit
Antonyms
- suddenly
- abruptly
Common mistakes
- Using 'gradually' with a noun instead of a verb.
- Confusing 'gradually' with 'suddenly', which means quickly.
- Incorrect placement in a sentence, such as 'gradually I will go' instead of 'I will gradually go.'