1. A step or degree in a series or progression; a stage or level.
Usage: Chiefly used in academic, musical, or formal contexts; often found in Latin phrases or specialized terminology.
2. In music, a book or collection of liturgical chants arranged by degree or category.
Usage: Musical/liturgical term; less common in everyday English.

Examples

• The student advanced through each gradus of the curriculum with dedication.
• In the hierarchy of the organization, each gradus represented a new level of responsibility.
• The gradus of difficulty increased as the musician progressed through the exercises.
• Medieval monks used the gradus to guide their liturgical singing.
• The company's promotion system had five distinct gradus for career advancement.