gradation

[Fr., from Lat. gradationem, acc. of gradatio =an ascent by steps; gradus =a step; Sp. graduacion; Ital. grad azione.] IMG:content-0673.png:[blocks in formation] 1. Art : The just arrangement or subordination of the parts of any work, so as to produce the best effect; as, the gradation of color and light in painting, to expre depth and relief, to define distances, and to show the state of the atmosphere. 2. Logic : A regular advance from step to step, as in an argument. 3. Music: An ascending or descending by a regular succe ion of chords. 4. Rhet.: An ascending or descending in terms, as toward a climax. ( Wilson : Art of Rhetor i que, p. 207.) *gra-da-tion, v.t. [GRADATION, 8.] To form by gradation or with gradations.