What is gradual?

In any case, the online dictionary of both insiduous and pernicious

say something like proceeding in a

gradual, subtle way, Gradual is neutral and has no negative

or positive implications.

What are two sentences, in a sentence? Why would I add a noun to the actual sentence?

In “Something has been done by the cat”, the cat has carried out an action, like “the cat has scratched me”.

In “Something has been done to the cat” something else has carried out an action against the cat, like “I scratched the cat”.

Certainly diplomatic, perhaps (not in the strict sense of referring to a diplomat, but in the sense of being polite, judicious, and sensitive to

others) (non in the strict sense of referring to a diplomat)