### Clue: This by itself is only a gradual process (6)
### Answer: LITTLE 
 ### Explanation: Definition: This by itself is only a gradual process
  Cryptic defn:  This, the word LITTLE ***plus ***by ***plus*** itself, the word LITTLE, ie. "little by little" denotes a gradual process.  Edit.note: to make my intended meaning clearer in view of comment#1.