What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incrementalist
Example
The company's incrementalist approach to innovation has led to steady but sustainable growth. [incrementalist: adjective]
Example
The politician's incrementalist policies aimed to make small but meaningful improvements to the healthcare system. [incrementalist: noun]
gradualist
Example
The gradualist approach to environmental conservation involves making small changes over time to reduce waste and emissions. [gradualist: adjective]
Example
The activist group's gradualist strategy aimed to build support for their cause through incremental victories rather than immediate demands. [gradualist: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gradualist is more commonly used than incrementalist in everyday language. Gradualist is a more general term that can be applied to a wide range of contexts, while incrementalist is a more specialized term that is often used in academic or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incrementalist and gradualist?
Both incrementalist and gradualist are relatively formal words that may not be familiar to beginner ESL learners. However, incrementalist may be slightly more technical or specialized in its usage, while gradualist is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.