How to pronounce gradual
Say it like GRAJ-oo-ul. Gradual has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GRAJ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gradual. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GRAJ
- oo
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gradual pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GRAJSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of gradual
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
British respelling: GRAD-yoorl.
What does gradual mean?
- proceeding in small stages“a gradual increase in prices”
- (of a topographical gradient) not steep or abrupt“a gradual slope”
- (Roman Catholic Church) an antiphon (usually from the Book of Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass
Where does gradual come from?
From Medieval Latin graduālis, from Latin gradus (“step”), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰradʰ-, *gʰredʰ- (“to walk, go”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying gradual
How do you pronounce gradual?
Say GRAJ-oo-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡrædʒuəl/. In British English it is /ˈɡrædjʊəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gradual?
Gradual has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GRAJ). Broken into parts: GRAJ · oo · ul.
Is gradual pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈɡrædjʊəl/ (GRAD-yoorl).