Progressive
/prəˈɡrɛsɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsMoving forward; characterized by advancement or improvement; favoring or advocating progress, change, or reform.
/prəˈɡrɛsɪv/
Favoring or promoting progress or improvement.
The company is taking a progressive approach to employee benefits.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to make things better, like when you try new and improved ways of doing things. It means you like change and want to see things get better, like how some people want cleaner energy or fairer laws.
👶 For kids: When things get better and better, like learning new things in school!
More Examples
Progressive thinkers advocate for environmental protection.
The reforms were seen as a progressive step forward in healthcare.
How It's Used
"Progressive policies often emphasize social justice and economic equality."
"The school embraced progressive teaching methods."
Increasing in severity or intensity; happening gradually.
/prəˈɡrɛsɪv/
Happening or developing gradually over a period of time.
The patient's illness had a progressive nature.
💡 Simply: Think of something that gets worse or stronger slowly, like a cough that's getting worse day by day, or a bill that gets bigger each month.
👶 For kids: When something keeps getting bigger or worse a little bit at a time.
More Examples
The government introduced progressive income tax.
He felt a progressive increase in his anxiety.
How It's Used
"The disease showed progressive symptoms."
"The progressive tax system ensures that higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Latin *prōgressus*, past participle of *prōgredī* ('to go forward'), from *pro-* ('forward') + *gradī* ('to step'). It entered English in the 15th century.
Originally used in the context of political reform in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, referring to movements advocating for social and economic improvements.
Memory tip
Think of a train moving *forward* to remember this means improvement!
Word Origin
"moving forward, advancing"