German word

allmählich

Pronunciation

IPA/alˈmɛːlɪç/

Meaning

  • adverbgradually

Example

Er wurde allmählich ruhiger.

He gradually became calmer.

Illustration for allmählich (gradually)

More examples

Der Verkehr wurde allmählich langsamer.

The traffic gradually slowed down.

Core concept

A dimmer turns down over several small adjustments rather than in one movement.

Common phrases

  • allmählich zur Ruhe kommen

    gradually calm down

  • allmählich langsamer werden

    gradually slow down

Similar words

langsam: Describes an action or process carried out at low speed.
nach und nach: Describes progress made step by step in small increments.

Definition in German

Schrittweise und langsam, nicht plötzlich

Word origin

Allmählich developed from Middle High German almehtlich, an older form meaning gradual or slow, and its modern spelling no longer reveals that formation transparently.

Usage tips

  • Allmählich describes a change unfolding over time, whereas langsam primarily describes low speed, so the two words are not interchangeable in every context.

Other meanings

  • little by littleadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word