Not all of a sudden (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: GRADUALLY
Understanding the Answer
- When something happens gradually, it unfolds in small steps or stages.
- The word perfectly captures the opposite of sudden change - think of how seasons transition, skills develop through practice, or how dawn slowly replaces darkness.
- This crossword clue uses a negative construction ("not all of a sudden") to point solvers toward this methodical, progressive concept.
- The answer works semantically because gradually means occurring in degrees or stages over an extended period.
- Whether describing physical changes like aging, learning processes like mastering a language, or natural phenomena like erosion, this word emphasizes the incremental nature of transformation.
Why This Clue Works
- Crossword constructors favor this clue because it tests vocabulary knowledge while using everyday language.
- The phrase "not all of a sudden" is conversational and accessible, making the puzzle feel approachable even as it challenges solvers to think about synonyms and antonyms.
- The 9-letter length also makes GRADUALLY valuable for grid construction, providing multiple crossing opportunities.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Look for negative constructions: When clues use "not" or "without," they're often pointing to antonyms. "Not all of a sudden" literally asks for the opposite of sudden.
- Consider adverb endings: The 9-letter length with -LY ending is a strong pattern indicator. Many time-related adverbs follow this structure.
- Think about process words: Clues about how things happen over time frequently lead to words like GRADUALLY, STEADILY, or SLOWLY.
- Use crossing letters strategically: The double-L in GRADUALLY (positions 6-7) can be particularly helpful for confirmation when solving intersecting clues.
- Watch for synonyms in definitions: "Incrementally," "progressively," and "by degrees" all point toward the same gradual concept.
Not all of a sudden (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are there other 9-letter answers for "Not all of a sudden"?
A: GRADUALLY is the standard answer, though constructors might occasionally use UNHURRIED or PIECEMEAL depending on crossing letters, though these have slightly different meanings.
Q: What makes GRADUALLY different from SLOWLY?
A: While both describe extended timeframes, GRADUALLY emphasizes progressive stages or degrees of change, whereas SLOWLY simply indicates reduced speed without necessarily implying incremental progression.
Q: How common is this clue in crosswords?
A: Very common. The "not all of a sudden" construction appears regularly in puzzles from major publications because it's clear, fair, and accessible to solvers of various skill levels.
Q: Can GRADUALLY be replaced with STEADILY?
A: Not exactly. STEADILY (8 letters) means consistently or regularly, while GRADUALLY specifically indicates incremental progression. The meanings overlap but aren't identical.
Q: What's the etymology of GRADUALLY?
A: It comes from the Latin "gradus" meaning "step," which also gives us words like "grade" and "graduate." This root perfectly captures the step-by-step nature of gradual change.
