graded

the word 'graded' is built upon the core noun 'grade', which entered english from the latin 'gradus', signifying a step or degree. this latin term itself is derived from the proto-indo-european root ghredh-, meaning 'to walk, go'. the suffix '-ed', of old english origin, is attached to the noun to form an adjective, indicating the possession of the quality of being arranged in steps or levels. thus, the literal concept of 'having steps' evolved into the modern abstract meanings of being systematically arranged in ranks or ascending at a uniform angle.

Structure: grade (level, rank) + ed (adjective suffix) grade (from latin 'gradus', meaning 'step, degree, rank', via french 'grade') + ed (old english suffix forming adjectives from nouns or verbs, indicating possession of a quality or state).