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
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
The dial’s striped center features vertically contrasting color gradations of silver, azure, green and blue.
—
Carol Besler, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2024
Film festivals can often be pompous affairs, full of endless gatekeeping, infinite gradations of status, and extremely specific dress codes.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2024
But there is a gradation of injury even among those hurt badly enough to be sent to a trauma unit.
—Paul Sisson, The Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2024
This works by applying a different tone curve to improve visible gradation, and introducing a color compensation system.
—John Archer, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gradation 
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Carol Besler, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2024
Film festivals can often be pompous affairs, full of endless gatekeeping, infinite gradations of status, and extremely specific dress codes.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2024
But there is a gradation of injury even among those hurt badly enough to be sent to a trauma unit.
—Paul Sisson, The Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2024
This works by applying a different tone curve to improve visible gradation, and introducing a color compensation system.
—John Archer, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gradation
Dictionary Entries Near gradation
Cite this Entry
“Gradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gradation. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gradation
noun
gra·da·tion
grā-ˈdā-shən
grə-
1
a
: a series of grades
2
: the act or process of grading
gradationally
adverb
-ē
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