What it means
به تدریج (be tadrij) means “gradually” or “by degrees.” It combines the native Persian preposition به (be, “by”) with the Arabic noun تدریج (tadrij), derived from the Arabic root د-ر-ج meaning to ascend step by step. Because of this mixed origin, it carries a formal, written-register feel that sets it apart from its near-synonyms: کم کم (casual) and رفته رفته (neutral to elevated). You will see به تدریج in academic texts, official reports, and newspaper editorials far more than in everyday conversation.
How to use it
- به تدریج تغییرات مثبتی مشاهده شد. (be tadrij taghyirâte mosbati moshâhede shod.) “Positive changes were observed gradually.”
- به تدریج به هدفم نزدیک میشم. (be tadrij be hadafam nazdik misham.) “I am gradually getting closer to my goal.”
- دما به تدریج کاهش یافت. (damâ be tadrij kâhesh yâft.) “The temperature gradually decreased.”
- به تدریج جامعه آگاهتر شد. (be tadrij jâme’e âgâhtar shod.) “Society gradually became more aware.”
Cultural note
Persian has absorbed a large number of Arabic nouns into formal registers, and به تدریج is a textbook example. The preposition به anchors it to Persian grammar, but the core noun is fully Arabic. In formal Persian writing, choosing به تدریج over کم کم signals education and precision. Learners reading Iranian newspapers or academic articles will meet it often.