Gradative

Gradative is an English adjective used to describe phenomena that involve gradation or gradual change. Etymology traces to Latin gradus, meaning “step,” signaling movement along a scale. In linguistics and philosophy, gradative is used to discuss predicates and properties that can be interpreted on a continuum rather than as fixed, binary states.

One sense of gradative concerns verbs or predicates that denote processes that unfold slowly or progressively over time. Such gradational or gradual predicates contrast with punctual or instantaneous predicates, which denote single, discrete events. For example, verbs like grow or fade imply gradual change, while explode or burst describes abrupt events.

A related sense applies to adjectives and other predicates that express degree on a scalar scale. Gradable or gradational properties can be described by varying degrees and can bear degree modifiers such as very or somewhat, as well as comparative forms like taller or more frequent. Non-gradable or absolute predicates, by contrast, denote properties without a natural scale for partial fulfillment, such as perfect or unique in common usage.

In semantics and cross-linguistic study, gradation is a core concept for analyzing degree semantics, scale structure, and the distinction between properties that admit varying intensities and those that do not. Gradativity interacts with aspect and tense in some languages, shaping how speakers interpret duration, progression, and the gradual realization of a property.

See also: gradation, gradable, degree modifier, scalar semantics, gradualism.