gradual

 
Pronunciation: /ˈgradʒʊəl/

adjective

  • 1taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees: the gradual introduction of new methods
  • 2(of a slope) not steep or abrupt.

noun

(Gradual)
  • (in the Western Christian Church) a response sung or recited between the Epistle and Gospel in the Mass.
  • a book of plainsong for the Mass.

Derivatives

gradualness

noun

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