The gradual is associated with the gradual or progressive.
Before entering fully into the meaning of the term gradual , we are going to proceed to know its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it derives from Latin, exactly the result of the sum of two clearly differentiated lexical components:
-The noun gradus , which can be translated as “step” or “step”.
-The suffix -al , which is used to indicate “relative to”.
This term came into our language as gradual , an adjective that refers to that which develops from degree to degree . A grade , on the other hand, can be a level, a state, a measure or a value of something.
Among the synonyms of gradual we can highlight words such as staggered , successive , progressive , successive , gradual or graduated . On the contrary, among its antonyms there are terms like rapid or sudden , for example.
A gradual scale
The idea of gradual scale , in this framework, is used in law to refer to the series of punishments that are ordered, from greatest to least serious, in a code. According to the circumstances and the nature of the crime, the action is framed in the scale.
A gradual scale can also allude to a color spectrum. In this sense, the scale sets the lower and upper limits for the definition of each tone.
gradual development
In the broadest sense, gradual is something that is done little by little but continuously. Gradualism , therefore, assumes that development takes place slowly, and not abruptly.
Take the case of the president of a country who, at the beginning of his term, promises that he will reduce state spending so that citizens can pay less taxes. The president, in this way, prepares a reform plan with the objective of achieving gradual change, so that there are no massive and sudden cuts. With this gradual adjustment, it seeks to minimize conflicts with those who will be affected by lower state spending, giving them time to adapt and softening the consequences of the measures.
The part of the mass that is located between the epistle and the gospel is called gradual.
Gradual in religion
In the field of religion , finally, the fragment of the mass that is located between the epistle and the gospel is called gradual. This song usually presents a response with a single verse.
In relation to the liturgical field, we cannot forget to emphasize the existence of what is known as “The Roman Gradual” , which is an official book of the Roman rite in which the different songs that can be used within are included. of a mass
From this publication, several interesting data can be highlighted, such as the following:
-It was originally titled “Antiphonale Missarum” , which can be translated as “Antiphons of the masses” .
-The main parts of this liturgical book are the introit, the gradual of the psalms, the sequence, what is known as the offertory song, the acclamation of the Gospel and the so-called communion antiphon.
-Throughout history this book has been edited again and introducing some changes. Specifically, it must be established that the last edition that was carried out was in 1979.