B1 adverb
gradually
/ˈɡrædʒuəli/
- Meaning
- slowly, in small stages, over a period of time
- Example
- "Her English gradually improved after six months of daily practice."
- Similar & related words
- slowlyprogressivelylittle by littlesteadilygradualgradesuddenly
- How to use it
- As an adverb, "gradually" modifies a verb or a whole sentence. Position matters: try it before the main verb, after "be", and at the start of a sentence — and notice which position sounds most natural.
- Common mistake
- Do not confuse with 'suddenly' — they are opposites. 'Gradually' means step by step, not all at once.