Gradual Finger Movement
...moving gradually and equally from one position to another...

FEW in American Sign Language (one of several ways to write this sign)

Gradual Movement Symbol ...moving gradually and equally from one position to another... When the Gradual Movement Symbol is placed between two positions, it means that movement begins with the first position and then gradually and equally moves into the ending position.

The sign for BEAUTIFUL in American Sign Language To read the sign above, focus on the beginning and ending positions of the sign...the rippling finger movement between the two positions is assumed. The same sign is written below with the Sequential Finger Movement Symbol. Each finger, one by one, moves down into an angle handshape, with a wrist circle too. Lots of detail for reseachers .   The sign for BEAUTIFUL in American Sign Language

Making Assumptions ...based on the beginning and ending positions of the sign... Using the Gradual Movement Symbol is not always necessary. Assumptions can be made by just reading the beginning and end positions, and assuming that the movement moves into the last position the easiest and most direct way possible. If the reader already knows the sign, such assumptions are oftentimes preferred, because there is less to read. It is appealing to native signers. But it is harder for newcomers to the language.