I would like to describe a process that is done gradually/incrementally, i.e., things do not change all at once – they change slowly.
In particular, I would like to describe a land reform in which lands are taken from the wealthy and given to the poor, but this is not done all at once, rather it is done gradually/incrementally.
What is the correct term to use? "Gradual"? "Incremental"? Something else?
Best Answer
They are nearly synonymous but there are subtle differences.
Incremental highlights that the change was made in identifiable steps.
Gradual puts focus on the overall pace of change, which may by incremental or continuously slow.