gradually
gradually — adverb
1. happening or changing in small steps over time, rather than suddenly or all at o
happening or changing in small steps over time, rather than suddenly or all at once
The sky grew darker gradually as the sun dropped below the hills.
adverb placed at end of clause; position is flexible
Diego gradually learned to prepare his grandmother's tamale recipe without help.
adverb before main verb: gradually + verb
The city's old bus system was gradually replaced by a modern train network.
Leila's confidence grew gradually as she gave more talks in front of the class.
- slowly
focuses on low speed; gradually emphasises step-by-step progression over time, while slowly only tells you the pace is unhurried
- steadily
adds a sense of consistent, even progress; gradually allows for uneven change
- progressively
implies movement forward through clear stages; more formal than gradually
- little by little
idiomatic and more conversational; stresses each small increment
- suddenly
the opposite of gradual change — all at once rather than step by step
- abruptly
suggests a change that is not only fast but unexpected or jarring
- immediately
describes change that takes effect at once, with no delay or slow build-up
用法筆記
Commonly appears right before the main verb (gradually improved) or at the end of a clause (improved gradually). The pre-verb position is more frequent in formal writing. A few common verbs paired with gradually include improve, change, increase, decrease, replace, and introduce.