gradualmente

Gradualmente is an adverb used in Spanish and Portuguese that means in a gradual or progressive manner, describing a change or action that occurs little by little over time or in small steps. It is common in everyday language as well as in formal and technical contexts to emphasize the steadiness of a process.

Etymology and cognates: Gradualmente derives from the Latin gradus meaning “step” and from the adjective gradual, with the adverbial suffix -mente. It has cognates in other Romance languages, such as Italian gradualmente and French graduellement, which share the same core meaning. The English equivalent is gradually.

Usage and examples: Gradualmente describes gradual changes of state, growth, or progression. Examples include: La temperatura aumentó gradualmente; Las ventas crecieron gradualmente. It can appear before or after the verb phrase, depending on emphasis. In Spanish, synonyms include progresivamente and paulatinamente; in Portuguese, progressivamente and paulatinamente are common as well. It is versatile across domains, from everyday narration to scientific reporting.

Notes on style and scope: The term signals that a change happens without sudden shifts, suitable for physical processes (temperature, speed), biological developments, or social and economic trends. It is less appropriate for abrupt events. The concept is often paired with adjectives or nouns that convey pace or degree, such as lento or gradual, to reinforce the sense of steadiness.