As the ice age ended, the climate warmed gradually, allowing forests to spread across the northern continents over thousands of years.
随着冰河时代结束，气候逐渐变暖，森林在数千年间蔓延至北方大陆。
- Slightly acidic rainwater gradually dissolves the bedrock over thousands of years, creating underground caves and channels.
From a Rhetorical Synthesis question · Expression of Ideas
- Captive-bred condors were gradually reintroduced into the wild beginning in 1992.
From a Rhetorical Synthesis question · Expression of Ideas
Which choice best defines “gradually”?
A — Slowly over a period of time. “gradually” means slowly over a period of time.
Which word means “slowly over a period of time”?
B — gradually. “gradually” means slowly over a period of time.
gradually — slowly over a period of time. In Chinese: 逐渐地.
gradually is pronounced /ˈɡrædʒuəli/.
As the ice age ended, the climate warmed gradually, allowing forests to spread across the northern continents over thousands of years. (随着冰河时代结束，气候逐渐变暖，森林在数千年间蔓延至北方大陆。)
slowly, progressively, steadily — all close in meaning to gradually (slowly over a period of time).
suddenly, abruptly — each the opposite of gradually (slowly over a period of time).
Yes. gradually is on the SAT Prep Basic list — the everyday academic words the SAT assumes you already have. The Digital SAT does not test vocabulary in isolation; words like this one are tested through Words in Context questions, where you choose the word that completes a passage most logically and precisely.