Advancing or developing gradually and continuously, often with increasing intensity or extent over time.
From Latin 'progressus,' past participle of 'progredi' meaning 'to go forward,' from 'pro-' (forward) and 'gradi' (to step). The word entered English in the 15th century, initially referring to forward movement before acquiring its modern sense of gradual advancement.
The word beautifully captures the idea of forward steps - 'pro' (forward) plus 'gress' (step) - making it literally about stepping forward. In politics, 'progressive' movements embody this same concept of society taking steps forward toward improvement, though what constitutes 'forward' remains hotly debated.
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