Origin: Latin suffix -al
Gradual has 5 different meanings across 2 categories:
(Roman Catholic Church) an antiphon (usually from the Book of Psalms) immediately after the epistle at Mass
"After the priest read the epistle, the choir began the gradual, singing a psalm that echoed through the quiet cathedral."
An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.
"The gradual was sung as the deacon climbed the stairs to deliver the Gospel reading."
Proceeding or advancing by small, slow, regular steps or degrees
"The team implemented a gradual increase in training hours over the next month to avoid burnout."