'gradually-adjusted' originates from the combination of 'gradually' and 'adjusted'. 'Gradually' comes from the Latin word 'gradualis', meaning 'step by step', and 'adjusted' comes from the Latin word 'adjuxtare', meaning 'to bring into proper position'.

'Gradually' evolved from the Latin 'gradualis' through Old French 'graduel', and 'adjusted' evolved from the Latin 'adjuxtare' through Old French 'ajuster'.

Initially, 'gradually' meant 'step by step', and 'adjusted' meant 'to bring into proper position'. Over time, 'gradually-adjusted' came to mean 'modified in small increments over time'.