Spanish Conversation · Level 87
60 words
Spanish word
gradual
Pronunciation
IPA/gɾaˈðwal/
Meaning
- adjectivegradual
Example
El progreso fue gradual.
The progress was gradual.
More examples
Notarás una mejora gradual con la práctica diaria.
You will notice a gradual improvement with daily practice.
Core concept
A gently rising curve on a graph.
Common phrases
mejora gradual
gradual improvement
cambio gradual
gradual change
progreso gradual
gradual progress
Similar words
paulatino: Alters little by little in amount or condition.
progresivo: Advances steadily forward, implying improvement or development.
Definition in Spanish
Que sucede o cambia de manera lenta y por etapas, sin saltos bruscos.
Word origin
Via medieval Latin gradualis from Latin gradus 'step', with -alis forming an adjective meaning 'by steps' and thus 'progressing in stages'.
Usage tips
- Spelled like English 'gradual' but stressed on the last syllable in Spanish (gra-du-AL) and with a softer d, so the pronunciation differs from English.
Opposites
- instantáneoinstantaneousadjective
- repentinosuddenadjective
Related words
- gradualmentegraduallyadverb
- gradualidadgradualnessnoun