progressive
pruh-GRESS-iv
/prəˈɡres.ɪv/
Happening or developing gradually or in stages; proceeding step by step.
Often carries a positive connotation of improvement or moving toward a goal, but in medicine, it can mean a disease is worsening.
The story behind the word. Combining 'pro-' (forward) and 'gradus' (step), this word literally means 'stepping forward'. It shares a root with 'grade' and 'gradient'.
Word relationships
- continuous: Continuous means without interruption; progressive implies moving forward through stages.
- regressive: Regressive means moving backward to a previous, often worse, state.
Commonly confused with
- proactive: Proactive means taking action before a problem occurs; progressive describes the nature of the action or change itself.
Word family
- progress (noun/verb): Movement forward or toward a destination.
- progression (noun): A sequence or a moving forward.
Collocations
- progressive disease
- progressive reduction
- progressive taxation
Example sentences
- "The patient showed progressive loss of vision over several months." Medical diagnosis
- "The city implemented a progressive policy to reduce carbon emissions by 5% each year." Social change
Memory hook
Focus on the 'gress' which sounds like 'progress'. You are stepping forward. Step by step forward.
When not to use
Don't use it to describe a single, static event.
Fun facts
- A 'progressive dinner' is a party where each course is eaten at a different person's house.
Related words
Explore more words
proportional, equitable, redistribution, distributive, egalitarian
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