Gradibus ascendimus
“We ascend by steps.”
Motto of Grey College, Durham
What does “Gradibus ascendimus” mean?
Gradibus ascendimus translates as “We ascend by steps.”
Progress comes step by step, not all at once.
“Gradibus ascendimus” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Gradibus | by steps | ablative plural of gradus, “step” (4th declension noun); the ablative here expresses means or manner, “by means of steps” |
| ascendimus | we ascend | first person plural, present tense, indicative mood, active voice, of ascendo, “I climb up, I ascend” |
How to pronounce “Gradibus ascendimus”
The two differ only in the sc of ascendimus: a hard sk in Classical, a soft sh before the e in Church Latin. Stress falls on the first syllable of gradibus and the third of ascendimus.
The story behind it
Word for word the phrase says “by steps we climb”, in English “we ascend by steps”. The grammar is simple: a means (steps) and a verb (we ascend), with no subject pronoun needed because the verb ending already says “we”.
It is a modern motto, not a line from an ancient author. It is the motto of Grey College, part of Durham University in England, which uses it to express the idea of rising gradually through effort.
The image of a staircase has a long history in Latin, and Latin mottos are common in universities and schools. Outside the college the phrase works as a general motto about patient progress.
How to use “Gradibus ascendimus”
A good fit for a tattoo, desk motto or card for someone starting a long project, a degree, a recovery or a training plan. It also suits an essay on gradual change or perseverance.
- Latin
- Gradibus ascendimus
- English
- We ascend by steps.
- Source
- Motto of Grey College, Durham
- Era
- Modern Latin
- Theme
- Growth
Common mistakes
- It is not an ancient Roman saying. It is a modern college motto in Latin.
- Written as “gradibus ascendamus” it would mean “let us ascend by steps”, a different mood and a different message.
- Speaking only for yourself? “I ascend by steps” would need ascendo, not ascendimus.
- The ending -ibus belongs to gradus (“step”). Writing “gradus” or “gradum” would be incorrect here.
Questions about “Gradibus ascendimus”
What does “Gradibus ascendimus” mean literally?
“By steps we ascend”, or “we climb by steps”. The idea is steady, gradual progress.
Who said “Gradibus ascendimus”?
No ancient author. It is the motto of Grey College, Durham University, so it is a modern Latin phrase.
How do you pronounce “Gradibus ascendimus”?
Classical: GRAH-dih-boos ah-SKEN-dih-moos. Church Latin: GRAH-dih-boos ah-SHEN-dih-moos, with a soft sh in ascendimus.
Is “Gradibus ascendimus” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. Gradibus is a correct ablative plural and ascendimus is a correct first person plural verb. It means “we ascend”, so for “I ascend by steps” you would write “Gradibus ascendo”.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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