If something changes or is done gradually, it changes or is done in small stages over a long period of time, rather than suddenly. Gradually we learned to cope.

What does the expression gradually mean?

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

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.