| 释义 |
gradually, adv.|ˈgrædjuːəlɪ, ˈgrædʒ(j)uːəlɪ|
[f. gradual a. + -ly2.]
†1. In respect of degree. (Cf. gradual a. 1.)
1649Bounds Publ. Obed. (1650) 61 They..differ but gradually, just as the morning and the noon light do. 1660F. Brooke tr. Le Blanc's Trav. a iv, Saving Faith..is not only Gradually, but Specifically distinct from all common Faith. 1665Boyle Occas. Refl. (1848) 73 This use of Occasional Meditations, though it do but gradually differ from some of those that have been already mentioned. 1701Grew Cosmol. Sacra ii. viii. 83 Wherein Human Reason doth not only Gradually, but Specifically differ, from the Phantastick Reason of Brutes.
†2. In a graduated scale; by gradations; by degrees of relationship or rank. Obs. (Cf. gradual a. 3.)
1673Rep. Committee, Ho. of Lords in Peerage (1710) I. 263 The Petitioner, being the Heir gradually and lineally descended from the said Lord Clifton. 1678Cudworth Intell. Syst. i. iv. 206 Several Distinct Substances, gradually subordinate to one another. 1704Phil. Trans. XXV. 1626 Some of 'em gradually bigger than others. 1715Lond. Gaz. No. 5371/3 If a Lieutenant inform against a Captain..he shall have his Company, so proceeding gradually to a Colonel. 1755Young Centaur ii. Wks. 1757 IV. 156 There are three kinds of happiness on earth, gradually less, and less.
3. By a gradual process; little by little; by degrees.
1646Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. vi. x. 323 The effects of whose activity are not precipitously abrupted, but gradually proceed to their cessations. 1715De Foe Fam. Instruct. i. i. (1841) 21 You must understand it gradually, my dear, a little at a time. 1776Adam Smith W.N. i. xi. (1869) I. 220 These metals are not likely to become gradually cheaper. 1807T. Thomson Chem. (ed. 3) II. 262 Acetous acid gradually becomes acetic acid when distilled repeatedly off dry muriate of lime. 1860Tyndall Glac. i. vii. 47 The ice..being gradually melted. 1880L. Stephen Pope vi. 157 We are softened into pity as the strong mind is seen gradually sinking into decay. |