By Degrees

Pronunciation: /baɪ dɪˈɡriz/

Definitions of by degrees

adverb In a gradual or step-by-step manner

Example Sentences

A1 She learned to speak English by degrees.

A2 He improved his cooking skills by degrees.

B1 The company grew its market share by degrees over the years.

B2 The artist's style evolved by degrees as he experimented with new techniques.

C1 The political landscape shifted by degrees, leading to significant changes in policy.

C2 The scientist's theories were accepted by degrees as more evidence supported his research.

Examples of by degrees in a Sentence

formal The patient's health improved by degrees after receiving the proper treatment.

informal She started to feel better by degrees once she took the medicine.

slang His mood lifted by degrees as he hung out with his friends.

figurative The project's success grew by degrees as more team members joined in.

Grammatical Forms of by degrees

• past tense: progressed
• plural: by degrees
• comparative: more by degrees
• superlative: most by degrees
• present tense: progresses by degrees
• future tense: will progress by degrees
• perfect tense: has progressed by degrees
• continuous tense: is progressing by degrees
• singular: by degree
• positive degree: by degrees
• infinitive: to progress by degrees
• gerund: progressing by degrees
• participle: progressed by degrees

Origin and Evolution of by degrees

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'by degrees' originated from Middle English, where 'degree' referred to a step or stage in a progression.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase 'by degrees' evolved to mean gradually or in stages, reflecting a gradual progression or change.