Definition of gradation

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< gradate

grade >

gra·da·tion

(gr

-d

n) KEY

NOUN:

1. A series of gradual, successive stages; a systematic progression.
2. A degree or stage in such a progression.
A passing by barely perceptible degrees from one tone or shade, as of color, to another. See Synonyms at nuance.
The act of gradating or arranging in grades.
Linguistics See ablaut.

ETYMOLOGY:
Latin gradti, gradtin-, from gradus, step ; see grade

OTHER FORMS:
gra·dation·al(Adjective), gra·dation·al·ly(Adverb)

Thesaurus: synonyms for gradation

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