gradual

 Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++朗文当代英语 5++LDOCE 5++朗文 5++grad·u·al /ˈɡrædʒuəl/ ●●○ adjective  1  SLOWhappening slowly over a long period of time 逐渐的，逐步的 OPP sudden There has been a gradual change in climate. 气候渐渐发生了变化。 the gradual decline in manufacturing industry 制造业的逐渐衰退 Education is a gradual process. 教育是一个循序渐进的过程。► see thesaurus at slow2. LITTLE/NOT VERYa gradual slope is not steep 〔斜坡〕平缓的，不陡的

Examples from the Corpus

gradual• To be sure, the generational shift has been gradual.• Because the cell destruction is gradual, a victim's pancreas can function normally for years.• Technological change, however, is less blatant, more insidious, more gradual and more effective.• Over the past year, her friends have noticed gradual changes in her behavior.• You will see the gradual development of a less self-centred view in your child's play.• According to Piaget, a number of factors prompt the gradual development of the will.• Some central features of narrative construction were studied, including the gradual embellishment of stories and their emotional content.• I had noticed a gradual improvement in her written work.• We're seeing gradual improvement in labor conditions.• As with all drama work, it's important to move forward at an appropriate pace, to aim for gradual progression.• The chart showed a gradual rise in his temperature over the previous eight hours.• The path is marked, the rise gradual, the sunlight bright and playful filtering through the leaves.• The Annual Registers record the gradual transformation of the Krankoor family name.Origin gradual (1400-1500) Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus; → GRADE1

grad·u·al adjectiveChineseSyllable  

slowly over long Corpus time of a period happening

gradual
grad‧u‧al /ˈɡrædʒuəl/ adjective1. happening slowly over a long period of time
   OPP  sudden:
    There has been a gradual change in climate.
    the gradual decline in manufacturing industry
    Education is a gradual process.
2. a gradual slope is not steep
     

THESAURUS

   ▪ slow not moving quickly or not doing something quickly: I was always one of the slowest runners in my class. | My computer’s really slow compared to the ones at school.
   ▪ gradual happening, developing, or changing slowly over a long period of time: a gradual rise in the Earth’s temperature | I’ve noticed a gradual improvement in his work.
   ▪ leisurely especially written moving or doing something slowly, especially because you are enjoying what you are doing and do not have to hurry: a leisurely breakfast | They walked at a leisurely pace.
   ▪ unhurried especially written moving or doing something in a slow and calm way, without rushing at all: She continued to listen, seeming relaxed and unhurried. | the doctor’s calm unhurried manner
   ▪ sluggish moving or reacting more slowly than usual, especially because of a loss of power or energy. Also used when business, sales, or the economy seem very slow: The car seems rather sluggish going uphill. | The drink was making her sluggish. | the company’s sluggish performance this year | Sales have been sluggish.
   ▪ lethargic moving slowly, because you feel as if you have no energy and no interest in doing anything: She woke up feeling heavy and lethargic. | His son seemed depressed and lethargic.
   ▪ languid literary slow and with very little energy or activity – used about people, actions, or periods of time: She lifted her hand in a languid wave. | a long languid afternoon in the middle of summer | He was pale and had rather a languid air about him.
   ▪ glacial literary extremely slow – used especially about the speed at which something happens: Things are changing, but at a glacial pace.

🔑 grad·ualBrE /ˈɡrædʒuəl/ 🔊NAmE /ˈɡrædʒuəl/ 🔊 adjective🔑 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非常缓慢。🔊🔊 OPP sudden (of a slope 斜坡) not steep 平缓的；不陡的