WordGarden.ioprogressive
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /prəɡrˈɛsɪv/
US
- /prəˈɡrɛsɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
favoring social and political reform or left-of-center policies
favoring new ideas, methods, or change rather than tradition
happening, developing, or becoming more advanced or severe in stages over time
More meaningsFewer meanings
relating to a verb form or aspect that shows an action is ongoing
Noun
a person who holds progressive political views
Beyond the definition
"Progressive" describes something that moves forward and tries to improve over time. Think of it like a river flowing toward the sea: always moving, not standing still. It is not just about being new; it is about looking for better ways of doing things. A progressive school might focus on hands-on learning instead of memorizing facts again and again, while a progressive politician might support policies meant to reduce unfairness in society. You can use it for ideas, politics, education, and other areas of life. It often suggests an openness to change and new ideas.
The word "progressive" carries significant weight, hinting at advancement, development, and a desire for positive change. At its core, it means moving forward—not just in time, but also in terms of ideas, policies, or social norms.
You'll often encounter "progressive" when discussing politics. A progressive political agenda typically focuses on issues like social justice, economic equality, environmental protection, and expanding rights for marginalized groups. These are people who believe society should evolve to be more inclusive and equitable. However, "progressive" isn't limited to politics. It can describe anything that represents a step forward or an improvement. A progressive company might adopt innovative technologies to increase efficiency, while a progressive artist might experiment with new forms of expression. In education, a progressive approach emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and student-centered learning.
Historically, the term gained prominence during the Progressive Era in the United States (late 19th/early 20th century), a period marked by widespread social activism and political reform. This era laid the groundwork for many of the modern policies we have today.
Beyond social reform, the word also has a more neutral, technical use. It can describe something that happens in stages or increases gradually. For example, a "progressive tax" increases as income rises, and in a medical context, a "progressive condition" is one that gradually gets worse over time.
What is considered "progressive" can change over time and vary depending on cultural context. What was radical yesterday might be mainstream tomorrow! Ultimately, "progressive" signifies a commitment to growth, innovation, and moving away from the starting point—even if the path forward isn't always clear.
Examples
- 1
Training plan
The training plan is progressive, so you run a little farther each week.
- 2
Gradual change
The town has seen a progressive decline in bus service over the past ten years.
- 3
Politics
She supports progressive policies on housing and health care.
- 4
Social attitudes
His grandparents were surprisingly progressive about women working after marriage.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Medical condition
The doctor said it was a progressive disease, but treatment could slow it down.
- 6
Tax system
In a progressive tax system, people with higher incomes pay a larger share.
- 7
Verb grammar
We use the present progressive in sentences like “I am waiting.”
- Grammarpresent progressive
a verb form with be + an -ing verb
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- left-leaning
- radical
- modernizing
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- progressive politics
- progressive values
- progressive agenda
- progressive movement
Word family
Explore
- social reform
- social justice
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- progressivenounadjective
Forms
- progressivespluralnounadjective