progressively
gb/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli/ us/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli/
B2
English
~ 9500
fokozatosan, egyre, haladó szellemben, progresszíven
B2
1
fokozatosan
B1
egyre
A2
Usage pattern:
progressively [comparative adjective]
The symptoms became progressively worse over several months.
A tünetek több hónap alatt fokozatosan rosszabbodtak.
The exercises get progressively more difficult as the course continues.
A feladatok a tanfolyam előrehaladtával egyre nehezebbek lesznek.
Housing has become progressively more expensive in major cities.
The noise increased progressively until it was hard to concentrate.
Each version of the software is progressively faster and more stable.
Learner examples
The pain got progressively worse during the day.
A fájdalom a nap folyamán egyre erősödött.
The test questions became progressively more difficult.
A tesztkérdések egyre nehezebbek lettek.
Food prices are getting progressively higher every year.
Her English is improving progressively with daily practice.
The game gets progressively harder after level three.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *"very progressively"* to mean *"very gradually"*, but *progressively* already includes the idea of degree, so adding *very* is usually unnecessary. Another mistake is using *progressively* without a following change word; it is most natural before a comparative adjective (e.g., *progressively more difficult*, *progressively colder*).
Meaning
Gradually over a period of time
Collocations
progressively worse
|progressively better
|progressively more difficult
|progressively smaller
|progressively larger
|progressively more expensive
Synonyms
gradually (More common and slightly simpler; very close in meaning in most situations.)
|
steadily (Emphasizes that the change is regular and constant, not just slow.)
Antonyms
suddenly (Describes change that happens all at once, not slowly over time.)
Themes
time
|change
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Slowly and steadily over time, step by step.
In a way that develops or changes step by step over a period of time, usually becoming greater, more serious, or more advanced.
C1
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
to [govern/think/act] progressively
The party promised to govern progressively on climate and social issues.
A párt azt ígérte, hogy az éghajlati és társadalmi ügyekben haladó szellemben fog kormányozni.
He tries to manage the company progressively, encouraging flexible hours and remote work.
Igyekszik haladó szellemben vezetni a céget, ösztönözve a rugalmas munkaidőt és a távmunkát.
Universities that think progressively are reexamining how they admit and support students.
Learner examples
The new mayor wants to lead the city progressively.
Az új polgármester haladó szellemben akarja vezetni a várost.
Some schools now teach very progressively.
Néhány iskola ma már nagyon progresszíven oktat.
The company says it will act progressively on gender equality.
Young people often think more progressively about family roles.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this political or social sense with the more common 'gradually' sense. In phrases like *"govern progressively"* or *"think progressively"*, it usually means *"in a modern, reformist way"*, not *"step by step".* Context about politics, society, or values often signals this meaning.
Meaning
In a modern, reform-minded way
Collocations
govern progressively
|think progressively
|act progressively
|lead progressively
|manage progressively
|educate progressively
Synonyms
liberally (Often overlaps in political contexts, but can also refer more generally to generosity or open-mindedness.)
Antonyms
conservatively (Emphasizes keeping traditional systems or values rather than pushing modern reforms.)
Themes
politics
|society
|education
Definition
In a way that follows modern, liberal ideas and tries to change society or an organization to be more fair or open.
In a way that reflects or supports modern, reformist, and often socially liberal ideas, especially in politics, education, or management.
Grammar
Dictionary form
progressively
IPA
GB/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli/
US/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli/
Syllables & stress
pro - gress - ively (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (gress)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: progressively
- Plural: progressivelies
Word family
Forms
progressivelies
noun
Core family
progress
noun A2
progressive
adjective B2
Related words
progression
noun C1
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
progressively more difficult
1/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli mˈɔɹ dˈɪfɪkʌlt/
fixed phrase
Becoming harder step by step
Becoming more difficult slowly and step by step.
Examples
- The lessons become progressively more difficult as the course goes on.
- Each stage of the game is progressively more difficult than the last one.
progressively more expensive
1/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli mˈɔɹ ɪkspˈɛnsɪv/
fixed phrase
Becoming more costly over time
Costing more and more money slowly over time.
Examples
- Housing near the city center is progressively more expensive.
- Tickets get progressively more expensive as the event date approaches.
progressively more severe
1/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli mˈɔɹ sɪvˈɪɹ/
fixed phrase
technical
Becoming more serious over time
Slowly becoming more serious or strong over time.
Examples
- Patients may experience progressively more severe symptoms without treatment.
- The drought has led to progressively more severe water restrictions.
progressively worse
1/pɹɑɡɹˈɛsɪvli wˈɚs/
fixed phrase
Becoming worse over time
Getting worse slowly and steadily over a period of time.
Examples
- His eyesight has grown progressively worse over the last five years.
- The traffic is getting progressively worse as more people move to the city.