gradualism
[ graj-oo-uh-liz-uh m ]
/ ˈgrædʒ u əˌlɪz əm /
noun
the principle or policy of achieving some goal by gradual steps rather than by drastic change.
Philosophy.
a theory maintaining that two seemingly conflicting notions are not radically opposed, but are related by others partaking in varying degrees of the character of both.
Biology.
a tenet in evolutionary theory maintaining that species evolve slowly and continuously over long periods of geological time.
Compare
punctuated equilibrium.
OTHER WORDS FROM gradualism
grad·u·al·ist, noun, adjective grad·u·al·is·tic, adjectiveWords nearby gradualism
gradient wind,
gradienter,
gradin,
gradiometer,
gradual,
gradualism,
graduand,
graduate,
graduate nurse,
graduate school,
graduated
Example sentences from the Web for gradualism
British Dictionary definitions for gradualism
gradualism
/ (ˈɡrædjʊəˌlɪzəm) /
noun
the policy of seeking to change something or achieve a goal gradually rather than quickly or violently, esp in politics
the theory that explains major changes in rock strata, fossils, etc in terms of gradual evolutionary processes rather than sudden violent catastrophes
Compare catastrophism
Derived forms of gradualism
gradualist, noun, adjective gradualistic, adjectiveScientific definitions for gradualism
gradualism
[ grăj′ōō-ə-lĭz′əm ]
The theory that new species evolve from existing species through gradual, often imperceptible changes rather than through abrupt, major changes. The small changes are believed to result in perceptible changes over long periods of time. Compare punctuated equilibrium.
Cultural definitions for gradualism
gradualism
The belief that changes in the Earth, such as the development of species, have taken place slowly, without sudden and violent transitions. (Compare punctuated equilibrium and catastrophism.)