Grade
Part of speech: verb
Definition: To assign scores to the components of an academic test. To assign a score to overall academic performance. To flatten, level, or smooth a large surface. To remove or trim part of a seam allowance from a finished seam so as to reduce bulk and make the finished piece more even when turned right side out.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: A rating. A degree or level of something; a position within a scale; a degree of quality. A slope (up or down) of a roadway or other passage A level of pre-collegiate education. A student of a particular grade (used with the grade level). An area that has been graded by a grader (construction machine) The level of the ground. An angular measure equal to a 90th part of a right angle; a degree
Example sentence: I moved from Kentucky to Miramar, Florida, at about 8. I think I was in second grade. I still had my Southern accent, and down there, you got to experience a melting pot in full fury. All the kids I hung out with were, like, Sicilian kids from Jersey and New York.
Gradation
Part of speech: noun
Definition: A sequence of gradual, successive stages; a systematic progression.A passing by small degrees from one tone or shade, as of color, to another. See Synonyms at nuance.The act of gradating or arranging in grades.A gradual change within one parameter, or an overlapping of two blocks of sound.Apophony.