progressive
Meaning
happening or developing gradually or in stages
(of a person or idea) favoring or implementing social reform or new, liberal ideas
(of a disease or ailment) increasing in severity or extent
a person who advocates or implements social reform or new, liberal ideas
Structure
Usage
there has been a progressive decline in the number of native speakers.
the party's policies are considered quite progressive.
the patient is suffering from a progressive neurological disorder.
Etymology
the word progressive is built upon the latin verb 'gradi', meaning "to step or walk", which itself derives from the proto-indo-european root ghredh-, meaning "to walk, go". the past participle stem 'gress-' was combined with the prefix 'pro-', meaning "forward", to form the latin verb 'progredi' (to step forward, advance). the adjective form 'progressivus' was created by adding the adjectival suffix '-ivus', yielding the sense of "characterized by moving forward". this literal sense of physical advancement evolved metaphorically into the modern meanings of gradual development, forward-thinking political and social attitudes, and the increasing nature of a condition.
Analysis
- pro: from latin, meaning "forward, forth, in favor of". serves as a prefix indicating direction or support. - gress: from latin 'gressus' (past participle of 'gradi' meaning "to step, walk"). serves as the root, conveying the core meaning of movement. - ive: from latin '-ivus', a suffix forming adjectives meaning "tending to, having the nature of".