Asteittain

Asteittain is a Finnish adverb meaning gradually, in steps, or incrementally. It describes a progression that occurs through a series of stages or increments rather than immediately or in a single action.

The word is formed from aste, meaning step or degree, and the suffix -ittain, which marks manner or distribution. It is used with verbs and adjectives to express gradual change or staged implementation.

Asteittain is common in everyday Finnish as well as in formal writing, including science, economics, and policy contexts. It describes processes, changes, or plans that unfold over time or through defined steps.

Examples of usage include: Hinta nousee asteittain seuraavan kolmen kuukauden aikana; Projekti etenee asteittain, vaihe kerrallaan; Lääkkeen annostusta säädetään asteittain potilaan vasteen mukaan.

In contrast, antonyms or opposite concepts include kerralla (yhdellä kertaa) and samanaikaisesti (samalla hetkellä). The term emphasizes gradual progression rather than a single mass action.