gradient

Everyday

1. How steep a slope, hill or road is. tree →
2. (maths) A number that shows how steep a line is on a graph. tree →
3. (art) A smooth change from one colour or shade to another. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: gradient = rise ÷ run (how far up for each step across). In geography: steep gradients on hills, road signs give gradients like 10% (1 in 10). In art and computing: a colour gradient from light to dark.

Examples

• The road has a steep gradient. tree →
• A sign warns of a 1 in 10 gradient. tree →
• Work out the gradient of the line. tree →
• The cyclist struggled up the gradient. tree →
• The picture has a blue to white gradient. tree →
• A gentle gradient is easier to walk up. tree →

Note

Countable. Pronounced GRAY-dee-ent. In maths: gradient = change in up ÷ change across; a bigger number means steeper; 10% = 1 in 10 = rises 10 m for every 100 m across. In the US, a road's slope is often called «grade».