grad·u·al·ism (gr j  - -l z m)n. 1. The belief in or the policy of advancing toward a goal by gradual, often slow stages. 2. Biology The view that speciation proceeds by imperceptibly small, cumulative steps over long periods of time rather than by abrupt, major changes. grad u·al·ist n.grad u·al·istic adj. |
gradualism
Noun
the policy of changing something gradually
gradualist adj
| gradualism (grj--lzm) 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. |
gradualism
a theory maintaining that two seemingly conflicting notions are not radically opposed, but are part of a gradually altering continuity. — gradualist, n., adj. — gradualistic, adj.
See also: Philosophythe principle or policy of achieving a goal, as political or economic, by gradual steps rather than by sudden and drastic innovation. Cf. conservatism, radicalism. — gradualist, n., adj. — gradualistic, adj.
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