încetîncet

Încetîncet is a Romanian adverbial expression formed by reduplication of încet, meaning slow. It denotes a gradual, continuous progress or change, and is typically translated as “slowly and steadily,” “little by little,” or “step by step.” The phrase is used in both spoken and written Romanian to describe processes, developments, or actions that unfold over time at a gentle pace.

Orthography and variants: The expression is sometimes written încet-încet or încet-încet, with hyphenation used to mark its compound nature in some contexts. It can appear at the beginning or within a sentence: Încetîncet, timpul trece; Lucrurile s-au schimbat încetîncet.

Grammatical role: It functions as an adverbial modifier, qualifying verbs or whole clauses. It can introduce a description of gradual change or progress, often conveying a sense of patience, persistence, or inevitability.

Usage notes: Încetîncet is more common in literary and colloquial registers than in technical or formal prose. It is well suited to narrative passages that seek to emphasize gradual development, careful pacing, or a measured approach.

Examples: Încetîncet, proiectul a atins obiectivele. Se vindecă încetîncet, dar cu siguranță.

See also: încet, gradual, progres, răbdare.