I. -j(ə)wəˌlizəm, -jəˌl- noun
( -s )
1. : the policy or practice of proceeding toward a desired end by gradual stages
rejected pure Marxianism and developed a doctrine of gradualism — Alys Russell
— compare immediatism
2. : a theory in philosophy: between two apparently opposed notions (as analytic and synthetic truths) there is no sharp distinction or definite line of demarcation but a gradually altering continuity — compare dualism
II. noun
1. : the evolution of new species by the gradual accumulation of small genetic changes over long periods of time — compare punctuated equilibrium 1 herein
2. : a theory or model of evolution emphasizing gradualism
• gradualist noun
• gradualistic or gradualist adjective