'gradually' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'gradualis,' where 'gradus' meant 'step.' 'Stop' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'stoppian,' meaning 'to cease or halt.'

'gradualis' transformed into the French word 'graduel,' and eventually became the modern English word 'gradual.' 'Stoppian' evolved into the Middle English word 'stoppen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'stop.'

Initially, 'gradual' meant 'by steps,' and 'stop' meant 'to cease.' Over time, 'gradually stopped' evolved to mean 'to cease slowly.'