What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gradually
Example
I gradually became more comfortable speaking in public. [gradually: adverb]
Example
The company's profits have been gradually increasing over the past few years. [gradually: adverb]
steadily
Example
The athlete steadily improved her performance throughout the season. [steadily: adverb]
Example
The company's revenue has been growing steadily for the past decade. [steadily: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gradually is more commonly used than steadily in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gradually and steadily?
Steadily is more formal than gradually, and is often used in technical or academic writing to describe a consistent and predictable rate of change or growth.
