grad·u·al 
/ˈgræʤəwəl/ adjective
/ˈgræʤəwəl/ adjective [more gradual; most gradual] 1 : moving or changing in small amounts : happening in a slow way over a long period of time
▪ We noticed a gradual change in temperature. ▪ The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care. 2 : not steep
▪ a gradual slope
▪ We noticed a gradual change in temperature. ▪ The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care.
▪ a gradual slope
— grad·u·al·ly adverb
▪ The population gradually increased. ▪ The temperature changed gradually. ▪ The cat moved gradually forward.
▪ The population gradually increased. ▪ The temperature changed gradually. ▪ The cat moved gradually forward.
