1. in a gradual or step-by-step manner; by degrees or increments
Usage: formal; technical usage in geology and biology

Examples

• The landscape changed gradationally as we moved from the coast inland.
• Species evolved gradationally over millions of years according to the theory.
• The temperature increased gradationally throughout the day.
• The color shifted gradationally from blue to purple to red.
• The rock layers were deposited gradationally, one stratum at a time.