apránként

Apránként is a Hungarian adverb meaning little by little or gradually. It describes a process, change, or increase that happens in small steps over time, rather than all at once. The term is neutral and widely used in descriptive and explanatory writing.

Etymology and form: the word is formed from the adjective apró, meaning small, with the suffix -ként, which yields an adverbial expression of manner or degree. The result, apránként (written as apránként in standard spelling), conveys a progressive, incremental pace rather than a sudden shift.

Usage: apránként appears in contexts ranging from economics and science to journalism and everyday speech. It often modifies verbs that express change or movement, signaling gradual evolution. Examples include: Az árak apránként emelkednek. (Prices are rising gradually.) A infláció apránként nő. (Inflation increases little by little.) A projektet apránként halad előre. (The project is progressing step by step.)

Notes: apránként is frequently contrasted with more abrupt or rapid terms such as egyszerre (at once) or gyorsan (quickly). It implies a cautious, methodical tempo and is common in reports, analyses, and narratives that emphasize incremental development, gradual improvement, or slow but steady change. Related expressions include lépésről lépésre, which also conveys gradual progression but with a stronger emphasis on sequence of steps.