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1. Proceeding in small stages
   "a gradual increase in prices"
    
2. (of a topographical gradient) not steep or abrupt
   "a gradual slope"

1. (Roman Catholic Church) an antiphon (usually from the Book of Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass

Derived forms: graduals

See also: bit-by-bit, easy, gentle, gradational, gradatory, grade [N. Amer], gradually, gradualness, graduated, in small stages, inclined, piecemeal, sloping, slow, step-by-step, stepwise

Type of: antiphon, antiphony

Antonym: steep, sudden

Encyclopedia: Gradual