gradational
Adjective: - Taking place by degrees; involving or occurring in a series of small, successive stages or steps. It describes a process of change that is gradual, not abrupt, moving from one level or stage to the next in a continuous sequence.
The adjective "gradational" is used to describe processes, changes, or sequences that happen progressively through a series of steps or levels. It is a formal term often found in academic, scientific, or technical contexts.
- The gradational shift in color from deep blue to pale yellow was beautiful.
- Language change is often a gradational process, not a sudden event.
- The soil profile showed a gradational boundary between the layers.
- In geology: Used to describe sedimentary layers or soil horizons that merge into one another through a gradual transition.
- In linguistics: Describes sound changes that occur incrementally over time.
- Gradation (noun): A scale or series of successive changes, stages, or degrees.
- Grade (noun/verb): A level or degree in a scale; to arrange in steps or levels.
- Gradual (adjective): Taking place or changing slowly over time.
- Gradual
- Progressive
- Step-by-step
- Incremental
- Abrupt
- Sudden
- Discontinuous
- Catastrophic (in specific scientific contexts)
(Note: "Gradational" itself is not typically used in common idioms. The related noun "gradation" is more frequent.) - By degrees: Gradually; in a series of small steps. Example: His health improved by degrees. - A gradation of: A series of slight differences within a group. Example: There is a gradation of opinion on this issue.
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taking place by degrees
