gradualism

grad·u·al·ism

 (grăj′o͞o-ə-lĭz′əm)

n.

1. The belief in or the policy of advancing toward a goal by gradual, often slow stages.

2. Biology The view that evolution 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·is′tic adj.

gradualism

(ˈɡrædjʊəˌlɪzəm)

n

1. the policy of seeking to change something or achieve a goal gradually rather than quickly or violently, esp in politics

2. (Geological Science) the theory that explains major changes in rock strata, fossils, etc in terms of gradual evolutionary processes rather than sudden violent catastrophes. Compare catastrophism

ˈgradualist n, adj

ˌgradualˈistic adj

grad•u•al•ism

(ˈgrædʒ u əˌlɪz əm)

n.

1. the principle or policy of achieving some goal by gradual steps rather than by drastic change.

2. a tenet of geology or evolutionary theory maintaining that change takes place gradually and continuously over long periods of geological time.

[1825–35]

grad′u•al•ist, n., adj.

grad`u•al•is′tic, adj.

grad·u·al·ism

(grăj′o͞o-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.

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: Philosophy

---

the 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.

See also: Politics

Translations

gradualism

[ˈgrædjʊəlɪzəm] N → gradualismo m