adjective

taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees.

the gradual introduction of new methods

slow,moderate,measured,unhurried,restrained,cautious,circumspect,unspectacular,piecemeal,step by step,little by little,bit by bit,progressive,successive,continuous,systematic,regular,steady,even,consistent,uniform,softly-softly

noun

(in the Western Christian Church) a response sung or recited between the Epistle and Gospel in the Mass.