WordVale

gradation

/ɡreɪˈdeɪʃən/  ·  say it: gray·DAY·shun

a gradual change in degree

In Nuance & Precision

In more detail

1. (noun) a series of small, gradual changes or steps from one level or state to another

2. (noun) the act or process of arranging things in order by size, amount, or degree

Examples

• The painting shows a gradation of color from dark blue at the top to light blue at the bottom.
• The teacher used gradation in the difficulty of the test questions, starting with easy ones and ending with hard ones.

Nearby in Nuance & Precision

denotation, subtlety, distinction, shade, undertone, overtone