1530s, "a climax;" 1670s, "orderly arrangement or succession," from Middle French gradation (16c.) and directly from Latin gradationem (nominative gradatio) "ascent by steps; a climax," noun of action from gradus "step, degree" (see grade (n.)). Meaning "gradual change" is from 1540s.
权威例句
1. Note the subtle gradation of / in colour in this painting.
注意这幅画中色彩的细微变化.
2. It is hard to understand all the minute gradation of their bureaucracy.
很难弄清楚他们那套官僚体制全部细微的等级分别.
3. The fourth way is taken from the gradation to be found in things.
第四个论证出自在事物中发现的等级.
4. Such a tabulation cannot represent adequately the complex gradation relationships between the types.
这样的图表不能充分代表各类型之间的复杂级配关系.
5. The gradation in the physical properties of the alkanes is typical of a homologous series.