progress
Forward movement toward a better or more advanced state.
Word facts
Definition
Progress is forward movement toward a better or more advanced state. As a verb, to progress means to move forward, develop, or improve over time.
Usage: Progress (noun) and progress (verb) have different stress patterns: PROG-res vs. pruh-GRES. This is a common feature of English noun-verb pairs.
Example sentences
- 1
She made steady progress on the project throughout the month.
- 2
The patient began to progress after the new treatment was started.
- 3
Progress in science depends on curiosity and careful observation.
Word family
From Latin progressus ('a going forward'), from progredi ('to go forward'), from pro- ('forward') + gradi ('to step, walk'). Progress is literally stepping forward.
Progress = pro + gress. Pro means forward. Gress means to step (like in digress and egress). Progress is to step forward.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What is the difference between progress and development?
Progress implies movement forward in a positive direction. Development is broader — it includes any kind of growth or change, which may not always be positive.
What does make progress mean?
To make progress means to move closer to a goal or achieve gradual improvement.