gradient; grade; step by step
Meanings
4 senses · 11 examplesnoun
slope; gradient; grade
Commonly used in geography and civil engineering to describe the steepness of terrain or roads.
The gradient of this mountain is very steep, making it difficult to climb.
The slope of the road affects driving safety.
noun
gradient; rate of change
technicalTechnical term in mathematics, physics, and meteorology describing the rate of change of temperature, pressure, density, velocity, etc.
Temperature gradients cause heat to flow from high-temperature regions to low-temperature regions.
In this machine learning algorithm, we need to calculate the gradient of the loss function.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Pressure gradient is the direct cause of wind formation.
adverb
gradually; step by step; in stages
formalUsed to describe actions or processes that proceed in an orderly, hierarchical manner. Common in military, administrative, and organizational contexts.
The army advanced gradually from east to west, ensuring that each area was effectively controlled.
Reforms need to be carried out step by step and cannot be accomplished overnight.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
The policy will be implemented gradually, with pilot programs first followed by broader promotion.
noun
gradation; tier; level; hierarchy
Refers to hierarchical levels or tiers in a system, examination questions, product lines, etc.
Exam questions should feature varied formats with a gradation of difficulty.
This product is designed with clear tiers targeting different consumer groups.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
A company's salary structure should have a certain hierarchy to motivate employee advancement.