Progressive: meaning, definitions and examples

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progressive

[prəˈɡresɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in politics

Favoring or advocating progress, change, improvement, or reform, as opposed to wishing to maintain things as they are.

Synonyms

forward-thinking, innovative, modern.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
progressive	This word can also refer to continuous improvement, especially in terms of gradual social, economic, or political improvements. The progressive tax system aims to reduce inequality by taxing higher incomes more heavily Progressive education methods encourage critical thinking and problem-solving
forward-thinking	This term is best used to describe individuals or organizations that plan for the future and are open to new ideas that can bring long-term benefits. His forward-thinking approach to marketing helped the company stay ahead of trends The city council is forward-thinking in its approach to urban planning
innovative	This word is ideal for referring to new and creative ideas, methods, or products that bring about significant improvements or solve problems in unique ways. The startup is known for its innovative technology that changes how we interact with devices She proposed an innovative solution to reduce energy consumption
modern	Use 'modern' to describe things that are characteristic of the present or recent times, often in contrast to things from the past. The building features a modern design with large glass windows Modern technology has revolutionized the way we communicate

Examples of usage

The progressive candidate promised to bring about positive changes in the community.
Her progressive views on social issues resonated with many voters.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

grammar

A verb form that expresses continuous or ongoing activity.

Synonyms

continuous, continuous aspect, ongoing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
progressive	Use this word to describe something that is gradually developing, advancing, or happening over a period of time. It is often used in social, political, and technological contexts. The company has adopted a progressive approach to employee well-being. She has a progressive view on climate change policies.
continuous	Best used to describe something that happens without interruption or any stops. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The continuous noise outside made it hard to concentrate. They require continuous monitoring to ensure safety.
ongoing	Ongoing is used to describe activities or situations that are currently happening and have not yet been completed. It's suitable for discussions in daily life and business settings. The investigation is still ongoing.
continuous aspect	This grammatical term is used to describe actions in English that are ongoing at a certain point in time. Best used in academic or linguistic discussions. In English, the continuous aspect is formed using a form of 'to be' with a present participle. The sentence 'She is running a marathon' shows the continuous aspect.

Examples of usage

In the sentence 'She is singing,' 'is singing' is an example of the progressive.
The progressive form is used to indicate actions that are in progress at a specific time.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

education

An educational philosophy emphasizing practical experience and problem-solving skills, rather than traditional methods of learning.

Synonyms

hands-on learning, innovative, non-traditional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
progressive	Used to describe ideas, methods, or people that are advanced and favoring or promoting change and new methods in education, politics, or other fields. The school implemented a progressive curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking over rote memorization
innovative	Describes methods, ideas, or products that are new and creative, offering more effective ways to accomplish tasks. Often used in business, technology, and education. The company is known for its innovative approach to problem-solving, which keeps them ahead of the competition
non-traditional	Applied to approaches or methods that deviate from the standard, conventional, or traditional way of doing things. It can carry a slightly rebellious or unconventional connotation. Her non-traditional teaching methods include outdoor classes and interactive projects
hands-on learning	Refers to an educational approach where students engage in activities and work directly with materials rather than through lectures or worksheets. Often used in educational settings. Students in the science class benefit from hands-on learning experiences in the lab

Examples of usage

The school adopted a progressive approach to teaching, focusing on hands-on activities and real-world applications.
Progressive education aims to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'progressive' traces back to the Latin word 'progressus', meaning 'to move forward'.
In the late 19th century, it was used to describe a political movement in the United States aimed at reforming social issues.
The idea of being progressive is often linked to movements promoting equality and social justice.

Politics

Progressive politics typically advocate for reform in areas like healthcare, education, and environmental policies.
Famous progressive figures include President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who introduced the New Deal to help Americans during the Great Depression.
Many countries have progressive parties that focus on grassroots movements and champion marginalized voices.

Education

Progressive education emphasizes hands-on learning and critical thinking rather than rote memorization.
Educators like John Dewey championed the idea that schools should prepare students to be active participants in democracy.
In progressive classrooms, students often collaborate and work on real-world problems, fostering creativity.

Art and Culture

The Progressive Era in the U.S. saw a burst of creative expression, including literature reflecting social change.
Many art movements such as modernism are considered progressive for breaking traditional boundaries and experimenting with new techniques.
Music genres like jazz and hip-hop are often viewed as progressive, as they challenge societal norms through innovation.

Technology

The term is commonly applied in technology to describe advancements, such as progressive web apps that enhance user experience.
Progressive technologies often emphasize sustainability and efficiency, which aim to solve environmental challenges.
In computing, a progressive enhancement approach involves building a website to work on all browsers with optional advanced features.

Translations

Translations of the word "progressive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 progressivo

🇮🇳 प्रगतिशील

🇩🇪 progressiv

🇮🇩 progresif

🇺🇦 прогресивний

🇵🇱 progresywny

🇯🇵 進歩的

🇫🇷 progressif

🇪🇸 progresivo

🇹🇷 ilerlemeci

🇰🇷 진보적인

🇸🇦 تقدمي

🇨🇿 progresivní

🇸🇰 progresívny

🇨🇳 进步的

🇸🇮 progresiven

🇮🇸 framfarasinnaður

🇰🇿 прогрессивті

🇬🇪 პროგრესული

🇦🇿 proqressiv

🇲🇽 progresivo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,558, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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