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Glite Dictionary
gradualistic

gradualistic

7.7
Supporting slow change over time as an explanation for development
  • adjective
  • /ˌɡrædʒuˈælɪstɪk/
translation icon : gradualista
  • The theory of gradualistic evolution suggests that species evolve slowly over long periods.

Examples

  • Scientists often debate whether evolution is best explained by a gradualistic process or sudden changes.

  • There are not gradualistic incremental changes.

  • His gradualistic approach to reforming the education system emphasizes steady improvements rather than abrupt changes.

Synonyms

gradual
vsgradualistic
75 3.0

Happening slowly and steadily, not suddenly

presents slow change as an explanation for development
gradualist
vsgradualistic
1 7.2

Supporting slow, step-by-step change rather than sudden action

focuses on slow change as an explanation for development
incrementalist
vsgradualistic
1 8.2

Supporting change that happens slowly in small steps

is broader applying to slow change beyond policy contexts
uniformitarian
vsgradualistic
  • Specialized
1 8.7

Describing how mountains and valleys form slowly over a long time

is broader and not limited to geological or long term models
gradational
vsgradualistic
7.4

To change in small steps over time

emphasizes slow change especially to explain evolution or development
evolutive
vsgradualistic
7.7

Continuing to change or develop slowly over time

frames slow change especially when explaining long term development

Antonyms

sudden
614 1.0

Happening quickly and without warning

How Gradual

gradualistic
7.7
incremental
50 4.8
evolutionary
  • Specialized
177 4.6
gradual
75 3.0
abrupt
37 4.6

Surface Forms

gradualistic positive

Morphology

gradualistic = gradual (transparent) = gradual + istic

Formed from the adjective 'gradual' plus the adjectival suffix '-istic' meaning 'relating to' or 'characteristic of', so the meaning is directly derived.

Etymology

Gradualistic comes from gradual, which comes from the old word gradus meaning 'step' and shares the same root as grade and graduate. Think of a staircase: change happens 'step by step' rather than all at once, so a gradualistic view favours slow, step-by-step change.