gradualism

plural gradualisms

1. countableuncountablebiologyThe belief that evolution proceeds at a steady pace, without the sudden development of new species or biological features from one generation to the next.
2. countableuncountabletransferred senseThe belief that some phenomenon occurs gradually over a long period of time.

   1 more example

   Given enough time, the logic goes, water can cleave solid rock and mountains can be reduced to plains. This "gradualism" now underpins modern geologic thought. ... Maybe we'll find evidence that the rock layers are exposed on the flanks of Mount Sharp [on Mars] not because a river carved through them over millions of years, but because the wind blew against them for billions of years – the ultimate in gradualism.

   2013 November 27, John Grotzinger, “The world of Mars [print version: International Herald Tribune Magazine, 2013, p. 37]”, in The New York Times

3. countableuncountablegovernmentThe belief that change ought to be brought about in small, discrete increments rather than in abrupt strokes such as revolutions or uprisings.