Words / B2

GRAYD-ee-uh-nt/ˈɡreɪdiənt/

A gradient is a slope, or in maths the steepness of a line: a steep gradient; calculate the gradient. Slope is everyday; incline is formal. Show the gradient, do not just say “steep”. Geography: hill gradients. Do not mix with gradual (already in the dictionary).

Meaning

A slope; in maths, the steepness of a line.

Examples

• “Calculate the gradient of the line; do not just describe it as steep.”
• “Cyclists complained about the gradient out of the valley, which is geography.”

Good to know

a steep gradient; the gradient of a line (rise/run). Everyday: slope. Maths and geography. Trap: gradual. Show working.

Near in meaning

slope

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