Vähittäisesti

Vähittäisesti is a Finnish adverb meaning gradually, slowly and in small steps or increments. It describes a process that unfolds over time rather than in a single abrupt change. The meaning is close to other adverbs such as vähitellen and asteittain; however, vähittäisesti is somewhat more formal or literary, and in everyday speech many speakers use vähitellen instead.

The word is typically used in contexts involving change, development or progression, such as economics, science, or narrative descriptions. It conveys a sense of incremental movement rather than sudden shifts. For example, one might say that prices have risen vähittäisesti, or that a project is progressing vähittäisesti.

In terms of usage and style, vähittäisesti tends to appear in written language, technical discussions, or formal narration, while vähitellen is the more common choice in everyday conversation. Other related expressions include asteittain (in steps) and hiljalleen (quietly, slowly).

Etymology-wise, vähittäisesti is formed by adding the adverbial suffix -sti to the adjective vähittäinen. The base is related to gradual or incremental change, and the term should not be confused with similar-looking words connected to retail, such as vähittäinen or vähittäiskauppa, which have different meanings.

See also: vähittäiskauppa (retail trade), vähittäistavarat (retail goods).