the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > forward movement > move forward or advance [verb (intransitive)] > gradually (2)
intransitive. To go, proceed, advance; with adverb or adverbial phrase indicating the direction. Usually of a slow or gradual movement. Chiefly Sc…
To advance, push forward, by gradual persistent motion like that of a boring tool; figurative to persevere by slow and laborious means to the…