ETYM French grade, Latin gradus step, pace, grade, from gradi to step, go. Related to Congress, Degree, Gradus.
(Homonym: grayed).
1. A relative position or degree of value in a graded group; SYN. level, tier.
2. The gradient of a slope or road or other surface.
3. The height of the ground on which something stands; SYN. ground level.