Inklingo

gradualmente

grah-dwahl-MEHN-teh/ɡɾaðwalˈmente/

gradualmente means gradually in Spanish (happening little by little over a period of time).

gradually

Also: step by step, little by little
A small green sprout growing into a taller plant with several leaves, shown in three stages from left to right.

📝 In Action

El clima está cambiando gradualmente.

A2

The weather is changing gradually.

Aprendí a hablar español gradualmente con mucha práctica.

B1

I learned to speak Spanish gradually with a lot of practice.

La empresa planea expandirse gradualmente por toda Europa.

B2

The company plans to expand gradually throughout Europe.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • poco a poco (little by little)
  • paso a paso (step by step)
  • progresivamente (progressively)

Antonyms

  • repentinamente (suddenly)
  • de golpe (all at once)
  • súbitamente (abruptly)

Common Collocations

  • aumentar gradualmenteto increase gradually
  • disminuir gradualmenteto decrease gradually
  • introducir gradualmenteto phase in / introduce gradually

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "gradualmente" in Spanish:

gradually

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: gradualmente

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is a synonym for 'gradualmente'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
grado(degree / grade)Noun
gradual(gradual)Adjective
graduar(to graduate / to adjust)Verb
graduación(graduation)Noun
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'gradus' (meaning 'step' or 'rank') combined with the suffix '-mente' (which originally meant 'with the mind/spirit of').

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: graduellementItalian: gradualmentePortuguese: gradualmente

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'gradualmente' more formal than 'poco a poco'?

Yes, 'gradualmente' sounds slightly more sophisticated or professional. You'll see it more in newspapers or hear it in business meetings, while 'poco a poco' is used everywhere.

Does 'gradualmente' change if I'm talking about a girl or a group?

No! Adverbs ending in '-mente' are 'gender-neutral' and never change their form, no matter what you are talking about.

Can I use 'gradualmente' at the start of a sentence?

Yes, you can! For example: 'Gradualmente, el sol salió' (Gradually, the sun came out). It adds a bit of dramatic emphasis to the slow change.