gradually
gb/ɡɹˈæd͡ʒuli/ us/ɡɹˈæd͡ʒuli/
A2
English
~ 2400
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
Slowly, over a period of time
Happening slowly, step by step, not all at once.
Usage pattern:
[something] happens gradually
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'gradually' with 'eventually'. 'Gradually' describes the manner of change over time, while 'eventually' means 'in the end'.
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.)
Collocations
gradually increase
|gradually decrease
|gradually improve
|gradually change
|gradually fade
Themes
time
|change
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Temperatures will gradually rise over the next few days.
- She gradually realized that she had made a mistake.
- 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.
- He gradually learned to speak English.
- The baby gradually stopped crying.
- My city is gradually getting bigger.
- She gradually became more confident.
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.