gradation

noun

gra·​da·​tion grā-ˈdā-shən 

grə-

1

a

: a series forming successive stages

the gradations of evolutionary development

b

: a step or place in an ordered scale

2

: an advance by regular degrees

gradations of social progress

3

: a gradual passing from one tint or shade to another

4

: the act or process of grading

5

: ablaut

gradational

grā-ˈdā-sh(ə-)nəl 

grə-

adjective

gradationally adverb

Did you know?

In the Boy Scouts, gradations of rank move upward from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout. A violin or a voice can produce gradations of musical pitch too small to appear in written music. In the 18th century Jonathan Swift could even write of "the several kinds and gradations of laughter, which ladies must daily practice by the looking-glass".

Examples of gradation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This works by applying a different tone curve to improve visible gradation, and introducing a color compensation system. —John Archer, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

This detects the peak brightness of incoming content frame by frame and then optimizes playback of the gradation of bright scenes and the brightness and shadow detailing of dark scenes. —John Archer, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

The Brutalist strives to explore the best and worst of human behavior, and just about every gradation in between. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 2 Sep. 2024

The names of hopefuls bandied around by pundits and Democratic voters alike have spanned the country, age groups, and the gradations of the liberal spectrum. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

see grade entry 1

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

gradation

noun

gra·​da·​tion grā-ˈdā-shən 

grə-

1

a

: a series of grades

b

: grade entry 2 sense 2

2

: the act or process of grading

gradational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

gradationally

-ē

adverb