Words / B2

pr-uh-GRES-iv/prəˈɡresɪv/

Progressive means in favour of new ideas and change, or happening / increasing gradually: a progressive tax; progressive symptoms. Progress is the noun/verb (already in the dictionary); conservative sits opposite in politics. A progressive tax featured in the economics paper. Mix-up: progressive vs successful; congress. Do not call any left-leaning slogan progressive without a definition.

Meaning

In favour of new ideas and change; also happening or increasing gradually.

Examples

• “A progressive tax featured in the economics paper, not a party slogan only.”
• “The illness was progressive, which is the gradual-worsening sense in the case.”

Good to know

a progressive + noun; progressive tax / disease. Noun/verb: progress. Trap: “modern” as a compliment only. Economics, politics, and medicine. For reform, or gradual change — specify.

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