progressive

progressive [prō gres′iv, prəgres′iv]

adj.

[MFr progressif < ML progressivus < L progressus: see PROGRESS]

1. moving forward or onward

2. continuing by successive steps [a progressive decline]

3. of, or concerned with, progression

4. designating a tax whose rate increases as the base increases

5.

a) favoring, working for, or characterized by progress or improvement, as through political or social reform

b) of or having to do with a person, movement, etc. thought of as being modern or advanced, as in ideas, methods, etc.

☆ 6. of an educational system stressing individuality, self-expression, etc.

7. Gram. indicating continuing action or state, or action in progress: used as of certain verb forms (Ex: am working, as opposed to the simple form work)

8. Med. becoming more severe or spreading to other parts: said of a disease

9. [P-] Politics of a Progressive Party

n.

1. a person who is progressive, esp. one who favors political progress or reform

2. [P-] a member of a Progressive Party

SYN.- LIBERAL

progressively

adv.

progressiveness

n.