释义 |
grad·u·al·ism 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 |