Definitions
- Describing a slow and steady change or progression over time. - Referring to a process that occurs in small increments or steps. - Talking about a situation where something changes or develops slowly over a period of time.
- Describing a change or development that occurs in stages or steps. - Referring to a process that moves forward or advances over time. - Talking about a situation where something improves or becomes more advanced over a period of time.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a change or development that occurs over time.
- 2Both words can be used to describe a process that occurs in stages or steps.
- 3Both words can be used as adverbs or adjectives.
What is the difference?
- 1Speed: Gradually implies a slower pace of change, while progressively suggests a more rapid pace of change.
- 2Direction: Gradually does not imply a specific direction of change, while progressively suggests a positive or upward direction of change.
- 3Scope: Gradually can refer to a small or large change, while progressively typically implies a significant or substantial change.
- 4Usage: Gradually is more commonly used in everyday language, while progressively is more technical or formal.
- 5Connotation: Gradually can have a neutral or negative connotation, while progressively has a positive connotation.
Remember this!
Gradually and progressively both describe a change or development that occurs over time, but they differ in speed, direction, scope, usage, and connotation. Gradually suggests a slower pace of change without a specific direction or scope, while progressively implies a more rapid pace of change with a positive direction and significant scope. Gradually is more commonly used in everyday language, while progressively is more technical or formal.
