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Gradient vs Gradual - What's the difference?

gradient | gradual |

As nouns the difference between gradient and gradual

is that gradient is a slope or incline while gradual is an antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.

As adjectives the difference between gradient and gradual

is that gradient is moving by steps; walking while gradual is proceeding by steps or small degrees; advancing step by step, as in ascent or descent or from one state to another; regularly progressive; slow.

gradient

English

Noun

(en noun) (slope) (wikipedia gradient)
  • A slope or incline.
  • A rate of inclination or declination of a slope.
  • (calculus) Of a function y'' = ''f''(''x'') or the graph of such a function, the rate of change of ''y'' with respect to ''x''
    that is, the amount by which ''y'' changes for a certain (often unit) change in ''x
    equivalently, the inclination to the X axis of the tangent to the curve of the graph.
  • (science) The rate at which a physical quantity increases or decreases relative to change in a given variable, especially distance.
  • (analysis) A differential operator that maps each point of a scalar field to a vector pointed in the direction of the greatest rate of change of the scalar. Notation for a scalar field ?: ∇φ

    • Synonyms

    * (slope) hill, incline, ramp, slope * (in calculus) slope (of a line )

    Derived terms

    * gradient wind * ruling gradient * supergradient * temperature gradient

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Moving by steps; walking.
    • gradient automata
    (Wilkins)
  • Rising or descending by regular degrees of inclination.
    • the gradient line of a railroad
  • Adapted for walking, as the feet of certain birds.

    • Anagrams

    * * * * ----

    gradual

    English

    Alternative forms

    * graduall (obsolete)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Proceeding by steps or small degrees; advancing step by step, as in ascent or descent or from one state to another; regularly progressive; slow.
    • a gradual''' increase of knowledge; a '''gradual decline
  • * Milton
    • Creatures animate with gradual life / Of growth, sense, reason, all summed up in man.

    Synonyms

    * (l)

    Antonyms

    * sudden * abrupt

    Derived terms

    * gradually

    See also

    * (l)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (Roman Catholic Church) An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.
  • (Roman Catholic Church) A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.