gradual

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (Roman Catholic Church) an antiphon (usually from the Book of Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass
  2. adjective proceeding in small stages
  3. adjective (of a topographical gradient) not steep or abrupt

Etymology

From Medieval Latin graduālis, from Latin gradus (“step”), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰradʰ-, *gʰredʰ- (“to walk, go”). Cognate with Gothic 𐌲𐍂𐌹𐌸𐍃 (griþs, “step, grade”), Bavarian Gritt (“step, stride”).

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