gradually
gb/ɡɹˈæd͡ʒuli/ us/ɡɹˈæd͡ʒuli/
A2
English
~ 2400
fokozatosan, lassanként
A2
1
fokozatosan
B1
lassanként
B1
Usage pattern:
[something] happens gradually
Temperatures will gradually rise over the next few days.
A hőmérséklet a következő napokban fokozatosan emelkedni fog.
She gradually realized that she had made a mistake.
Lassanként rájött, hogy hibát követett el.
The old building is gradually falling into ruin.
His strength gradually returned after the illness.
The noise gradually faded until it was gone.
Learner examples
The sun gradually went down.
A nap lassan lement.
He gradually learned to speak English.
Fokozatosan megtanult angolul beszélni.
The baby gradually stopped crying.
My city is gradually getting bigger.
She gradually became more confident.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'gradually' with 'eventually'. 'Gradually' describes the manner of change over time, while 'eventually' means 'in the end'.
Meaning
Slowly, over a period of time
Collocations
gradually increase
|gradually decrease
|gradually improve
|gradually change
|gradually fade
Synonyms
slowly (Focuses only on speed, without necessarily implying a steady process.)
|
steadily (Emphasizes a smooth and continuous process without sudden changes.)
Antonyms
suddenly (Implies happening all at once, without warning or a slow build-up.)
|
abruptly (Emphasizes a sharp and unexpected change or stop.)
Themes
time
|change
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Happening slowly, step by step, not all at once.
In a slow and steady way that happens over a period of time, rather than suddenly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
gradually
IPA
GB/ɡɹˈæd͡ʒuli/
US/ɡɹˈæd͡ʒuli/
Syllables & stress
gradu - ally (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (gradu)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: gradually
- Plural: graduallies
Word family
Expressions
gradually but surely
1/ɡɹˈæd͡ʒuli bˈʌt ʃˈʊɹli/
fixed phrase
Slowly yet certainly happening
Slowly, but certain to happen or succeed.
Examples
- The company is gradually but surely expanding into new markets.
- Gradually but surely, her health improved after the surgery.