adj. & n.
--adj.
1. moving forward (progressive motion).
2 proceeding step by step; cumulative (progressive drug use).
3 a (of a political party, government, etc.) favouring or implementing rapid progress or social reform. b modern; efficient (this is a progressive company).
4 (of disease, violence, etc.) increasing in severity or extent.
5 (of taxation) at rates increasing with the sum taxed.
6 (of a card-game, dance, etc.) with periodic changes of partners.
7 Gram. (of an aspect) expressing an action in progress, e.g. am writing, was writing.
8 (of education) informal and without strict discipline, stressing individual needs.
--n. (also Progressive) an advocate of progressive political policies.
Derivatives:
progressively adv. progressiveness n. progressivism n. progressivist n. & adj.
Etymology: F progressif -ive or med.L progressivus (as PROGRESS)