Geleidelijk
Example: De verandering in het politieke systeem verliep geleidelijk over tientallen jaren.
Definition
"Geleidelijk" is an adverb describing a process or change that happens slowly and step by step over a period of time, without sudden jumps or interruptions. For example, in history, it refers to changes that occur progressively over decades.
Etymology
The word "geleidelijk" comes from the Dutch root related to 'steps' or 'degrees,' reflecting the idea of something happening in stages. It combines 'ge-' (a common Dutch prefix) with 'leidelijk,' derived from 'leiden,' meaning to lead or guide, suggesting a process that leads on gradually. Did you know that its form emphasizes the slow unfolding of events?
Learn to use this word actively
"Geleidelijk" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - History - (C1) - set 1", containing 99 commonly used words.
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