1 : moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees. 2 : proceeding by steps or degrees.

What does very gradually mean?

adjective. taking place, changing, moving, etc., by small degrees or little by little: gradual improvement in health. rising or descending at an even, moderate inclination: a gradual slope.

Does gradually mean slowly?

Use the adjective gradual to describe something that happens slowly, bit by bit, like the gradual increase in the amount of daylight in winter. Gradual can also apply to the gentle slope of landforms like hills. A gradual incline seems to slowly rise — you may not even realize you're walking up such a hill.