'gradually-formed' originates from the combination of 'gradually' and 'formed'. 'Gradually' comes from the Latin word 'gradualis', meaning 'step by step', and 'formed' is derived from the Latin 'formare', meaning 'to shape'.

'gradually' changed from the Latin 'gradualis' to the Old French 'graduel', and eventually became the modern English word 'gradually'. 'Formed' evolved from the Latin 'formare' to the Old French 'former', and eventually became the modern English word 'formed'.

Initially, 'gradually' meant 'step by step', and 'formed' meant 'to shape'. Over time, 'gradually-formed' evolved to mean 'formed or developed slowly over time'.