gradation
/grə'deiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A gradual, step-by-step change or progression: A series of small, subtle changes or stages between one state, level, or degree and another.
- A stage or degree in such a series: One step or level within a graded sequence.
- The act of arranging things into grades or ranks: The process of classifying or ordering items by levels of quality, intensity, or value.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The artist skillfully used gradations of blue to paint the sky. (The artist skillfully used subtle, step-by-step changes in shades of blue.)
- There is a clear gradation in responsibility from junior staff to senior management. (There is a clear series of levels in responsibility.)
- The gradation of exercises in the textbook helps students learn progressively. (The arrangement of exercises by increasing difficulty helps students learn step-by-step.)
Advanced Usage
- "A gradation of": Used to describe a series containing subtle variations.
- The fabric was available in a gradation of hues from cream to chocolate.
- In linguistics: Refers to a vowel change indicating grammatical function (e.g., sing, sang, sung).
- Ablaut is a type of vowel gradation.
Variants and Related Words
- Grade (n/v): A level or rank in a scale; to arrange in levels.
- She got a good grade on the test.
- Gradual (adj): Taking place or changing slowly or by degrees.
- We observed a gradual improvement in his health.
- Graduate (v): To successfully complete a stage of education and advance to the next level.
- She will graduate from university next year.
Synonyms
- Nuance: A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.
- Shading: A very slight variation or difference.
- Progression: A series of gradual, sequential stages.
Related Phrases
- A spectrum of: A broad range of varying ideas, colors, etc., often with continuous gradation.
- The committee includes members from a wide spectrum of political views.
Related Idioms
- (In) by degrees: Gradually, little by little.
- His eyesight worsened by degrees over the years.
Noun
- the act of arranging in grades
- a degree of ablaut
- relative position in a graded series
- always a step behind
- subtle gradations in color
- keep in step with the fashions