A Latin word meaning a step, degree, or rank; used in various technical, musical, and academic contexts to indicate levels or stages.
From Latin gradus (step, degree), derived from the root gra-, meaning 'to go' or 'to walk.' This root produced countless English words including grade, gradient, gradual, and graduate.
The Latin word gradus literally meant a physical step on stairs, but Romans extended it to mean any progression through society or knowledge—showing how physical metaphors build entire conceptual systems.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.