| Title | gradual | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Text |
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary grad·u·al
USAGE often capitalized ETYMOLOGY Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduale,from Latin gradus step; from its being sung on the steps of the altar DATE 15th century 1. a book containing the choral parts of the Mass 2. a pair of verses (as from the Psalms) proper after the Epistle in the Mass
adjective ETYMOLOGY Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus DATE 1658 1. proceeding by steps or degrees 2. moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees • grad·u·al·ly adverb • grad·u·al·ness noun English Etymology gradual 1541, from M.L. gradualis, from L. gradus "step" (see grade). Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary-牛津双解-OALD7 ☞ gradual grad·ual / 5^rAdVuEl / adjective1. happening slowly over a long period; not sudden 逐渐的；逐步的；渐进的: a gradual change in the climate 气候的逐渐变化 Recovery from the disease is very gradual. 这种疾病的康复过程缓慢。 OPP sudden 2. (of a slope 斜坡) not steep 平缓的；不陡的 Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Thesaurus-11th Edition adj. Function: adjective proceeding slowly usually by minute or imperceptible steps or degrees FF1C;his health showed gradual improvementFF1E; Synonyms: piecemeal, step-by-step Related Words: deliberate, dilatory, lagging, poky, sluggish Contrasted Words: acute, sharp, sudden Antonyms: abrupt Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged Search result show the entry is found in: Gradual Psalm Search result show the entry is found in: gradual psalm grad·u·al I. \ˈgraj(ə)wəl, -jəl\ noun also gradu·ale \ˌgrädəˈwä(ˌ)lā; ˈgraj(ə)wəl, -jəl\ (-s) Usage: often capitalized Etymology: Medieval Latin graduale, alteration of Late Latin gradale, from Latin gradus step + -ale (neuter of -alis -al); from its being sung on the steps of the altar — more at grade 1. : an antiphon or responsory sung or recited with the alleluia or the tract between the Epistle and Gospel originally from the steps of the altar in a Christian church 2. : a service book containing the musical portion of the mass sung by the choir II. adjective Etymology: Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus step, degree + -alis -al 1. : arranged in grades or degrees; also : admitting of such an arrangement 2. a. : proceeding by steps or degrees : advancing step by step (as in ascent or from one state to another) b. (1) : moving, changing, or developing by fine, slight, or often imperceptible gradations or modulations < a gradual change for the better in the patient's condition > (2) of an incline : not steep or abrupt < a gradual slope > < a gradual drop down to the town > III. adverb chiefly dialect : gradually |
Learn with these flashcards. Click next, previous, or up to navigate to more flashcards for this subject.
Next card: Grade a to level school grades degree b
Previous card: Graduate to graduated school degree academic verb b
Up to card list: English learning