How Do You Spell BY DEGREE?

1. By degree is an idiomatic expression that refers to something that occurs gradually or progressively over time, incrementally, or in successive stages. It suggests a step-by-step movement or change, where each step or stage contributes to the overall development or outcome.

   In a literal sense, "degree" can refer to a unit of measurement, such as a degree of temperature or angle. However, in the context of this idiomatic expression, it takes on a metaphorical meaning. Here, "degree" represents a unit of progression or advancement towards a particular state, condition, or level.

   The phrase is often used to describe the gradual nature of a process, event, or change. It implies that the transformation or development is not sudden or immediate, but rather occurs in a piecemeal or gradual manner. It emphasizes the importance of every small step in reaching a final goal.

   For example, one might say, "He learned to excel in his profession by degree, starting from an entry-level position and slowly working his way up the corporate ladder through hard work and dedication."

   In summary, "by degree" refers to a gradual progression or advancement over time, emphasizing the incremental nature of a process or change, where each step contributes to the overall achievement or outcome.

Common Misspellings for BY DEGREE

The etymology of the phrase "by degree" can be traced back to Old French and Latin influences.

The word "degree" originated from the Old French word "degré" which meant a step or a stair. This term was borrowed from the Latin word "gradus" which had a similar meaning. In Latin, "gradus" referred to a step or a stage in a progression.

Over time, in English, "degree" came to be used not only in a physical sense (referring to steps or levels), but also in a metaphorical sense to describe a rank or level of accomplishment or status. This development led to the usage of "by degree" to indicate a gradual or incremental progression or change.

In summary, the etymology of "by degree" stems from Old French "degré" and Latin "gradus", both meaning a step or stage in a progression.