gradual

• Décrit ce qui se produit lentement, par étapes successives ou sur une longue période.

Describes something that happens slowly, step by step, or over a long period of time.

1. Proceeding in small stepsB2formal

   Happening or changing slowly, step by step, over a period of time.

   progressif, graduel

   • The recovery process was gradual, with small improvements each day.
   • There has been a gradual increase in global temperatures over the last century.
   • Her gradual understanding of the topic came from consistent study.

   Synonymesincrementalmeasuredmoderatepiecemealprogressiveslowstepwise

   Antonymesabruptprecipitoussharpsteepsudden

2. Gentle slopeB1formal

   Describing a slope that rises or falls slowly, not steeply or abruptly.

   Pente douce

   • The trail has a gradual incline, making it suitable for beginners.
   • The hill’s gradual ascent allowed for an easy hike.
   • A gradual gradient on the road reduces the need for sharp braking.

   Synonymeseasygentleimperceptiblemoderateslight

   Antonymesabruptsharpsteepsudden

• Nom désignant un antienne, généralement tirée des Psaumes, qui est chantée ou lue juste après l'épître lors de la messe dans l'Église catholique romaine.

A noun referring to an antiphon, usually from the Book of Psalms, sung or recited immediately after the epistle at Mass in the Roman Catholic Church.

1. Liturgical chantC2formal

   A specific antiphon, often taken from the Book of Psalms, that is sung or recited immediately after the Epistle during the Mass in the Roman Catholic Church.

   Graduel (chant liturgique)

   • The choir sang the gradual with great reverence.
   • The priest recited the gradual after reading the Epistle.
   • The gradual is an ancient part of the liturgy.