Gradatim ferociter
“Step by step, ferociously.”
Motto of Blue Origin
What does “Gradatim ferociter” mean?
Gradatim ferociter translates as “Step by step, ferociously.”
Progress comes through steady, determined steps rather than giant leaps. The motto combines patience with intensity.
“Gradatim ferociter” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Gradatim | step by step, gradually | adverb formed from gradus, “step”; it does not change form |
| ferociter | ferociously, fiercely | adverb formed from the adjective ferox (stem feroc-), “fierce, bold”; it does not change form |
How to pronounce “Gradatim ferociter”
The only difference is the c in ferociter: a hard k in Classical, a soft ch in Church Latin. The stress falls on the second syllable of gradatim and the second of ferociter, since the o is long.
The story behind it
Word for word the motto is two adverbs: “step by step” and “ferociously”. There is no verb, so the line reads as a short slogan for how to work, not as a full sentence.
It is a modern Latin motto, not an ancient saying. It is the motto of Blue Origin, the American spaceflight company founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, and the company uses it together with a logo of two feathered feet.
The phrase pairs patience with intensity: advance in small, steady stages, but with fierce determination. The company has often tied the motto to the fable of the tortoise and the hare, in which steady effort wins.
How to use “Gradatim ferociter”
It suits a runner’s training log, an engineering or startup team’s whiteboard, or a personal motto for a long project such as a degree, a business or a fitness goal. It works best where slow, steady work is the point.
- Latin
- Gradatim ferociter
- English
- Step by step, ferociously.
- Source
- Motto of Blue Origin
- Era
- Modern Latin
- Theme
- Perseverance
Common mistakes
- It is not a classical Roman proverb. It is a modern motto, so do not credit it to an ancient author.
- Do not read ferociter as “fast” or “furiously”. It means fiercely or boldly, and the pace comes from gradatim.
- Both words are adverbs and never change their endings, so there is no gender or number to adjust, unlike with adjectives.
- It is often misspelled “graditim” or “ferociter” with a stray extra letter. The correct forms are gradatim and ferociter.
Questions about “Gradatim ferociter”
What does “Gradatim ferociter” mean literally?
“Step by step, ferociously.” Gradatim comes from gradus, “step”, and ferociter comes from ferox, “fierce”.
Who uses “Gradatim ferociter” as a motto?
It is the motto of Blue Origin, the spaceflight company founded by Jeff Bezos. It is modern Latin, not a quote from ancient Rome.
How do you pronounce “Gradatim ferociter”?
In Classical Latin, grah-DAH-tim feh-ROH-kih-ter. In Church Latin the c softens, giving feh-ROH-chih-ter.
Is “Gradatim ferociter” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. Both words are real Latin adverbs and the phrase is grammatical. Just remember it is a modern coinage, not an ancient saying.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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