[ˈɡradʒʊəl], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees
(e.g: the gradual introduction of new methods)

- (of a slope) not steep or abrupt


Phrases:

Origin:
late Middle English: from medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus ‘step’. The original sense of the adjective was ‘arranged in degrees’; the noun refers to the altar steps in a church, from which the antiphons were sung

[ˈɡradʒʊəl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- (in the Western Christian Church) a response sung or recited between the Epistle and Gospel in the Mass


Phrases:

Origin:
late Middle English: from medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus ‘step’. The original sense of the adjective was ‘arranged in degrees’; the noun refers to the altar steps in a church, from which the antiphons were sung