gradation — [ gradasjɔ̃ ] n. f. • 1464 rhét.; lat. gradatio; de gradus « degré » 1 ♦ (1595) Progression par degrés successifs, et le plus souvent ascendante. ⇒ accroissement, augmentation; graduer. Gradations d effets. L âme « est amenée par une gradation… … Encyclopédie Universelle
Gradation — may refer to: * Gradation (music) * Gradation in color, a gradual change between hues, tones, or shades * Consonant gradation * Ordering by some type of grade * Calibration markings * Apophony, in linguisticsee also*Degradation … Wikipedia
Gradation — Gra*da tion, n., [L. gradatio: cf. F. gradation. See {Grade}.] 1. The act of progressing by regular steps or orderly arrangement; the state of being graded or arranged in ranks; as, the gradation of castes. [1913 Webster] 2. The act or process of … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
gradation — 1530s, climax, from M.Fr. gradation (16c.) and directly from L. gradationem (nom. gradatio) ascent by steps, a climax, noun of action from gradus step, degree (see GRADE (Cf. grade)). Meaning gradual change is from 1540s. Related: Gradational … Etymology dictionary
gradation — gradation, shade, nuance are comparable when they mean the difference or variation between two things that are nearly alike. Gradation in the singular implies a small difference or variation of this kind, but the term is used more frequently in… … New Dictionary of Synonyms
gradation — [grā dā′shən, grədā shən] n. [Fr < L gradatio < gradatus, having steps or grades < gradus: see GRADE] 1. the act or process of forming or arranging in grades, stages, or steps 2. a gradual change by steps or stages from one condition,… … English World dictionary
Gradation — Gra*da tion, v. t. To form with gradations. [R.] [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Gradation — (v. lat.), 1) Steigerung, bes. logische G., das Aufsteigen von niederen Begriffen zu höheren od. das Absteigen von höheren zu niederen; von der grammatischen G. s. Comparation; 2) (Klimax, Rhetor.), Figur, vermöge welcher man die Glieder weniger… … Pierer's Universal-Lexikon
Gradation — (lat.), stufenweise Erhöhung, Abstufung, Steigerung; in der Logik das Aufsteigen von niedern (konkreten) Begriffen zu höhern (abstrakten) oder das Absteigen von höhern zu niedern; in der Rhetorik die allmähliche Steigerung aneinander gereihter… … Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon
Gradation — Gradatiōn (lat.), Steigerung; in der Rhetorik das Fortschreiten der Gedanken nach dem Verhältnis ihrer Bedeutung, entweder vom Schwächern zum Stärkern (Klimax) oder umgekehrt (Antiklimax) … Kleines Konversations-Lexikon
