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progresivo means progressive / gradual — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 14, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

progresivo

adjective • /[proh-greh-SEE-boh]/

progressive / gradual

Example:

El cambio debe implementarse de manera progresiva.

The change should be implemented progressively.

🧠 What does progresivo mean?

Progresivo describes something that develops gradually or steadily over time, step by step. It emphasizes a continuous and ongoing process of change or advancement. Think of it as something that unfolds little by little, rather than happening all at once.

📚 Extra examples

  • El estudiante mostró una mejora progresiva en sus calificaciones.
    The student showed a progressive improvement in their grades.
  • La enfermedad tiene un carácter progresivo, empeorando con el tiempo.
    The illness has a progressive nature, worsening over time.
  • El gobierno implementó una política fiscal progresiva.
    The government implemented a progressive tax policy.
  • El aprendizaje de un idioma es un proceso progresivo.
    Learning a language is a progressive process.
  • Notó un aumento progresivo del dolor en su rodilla.
    They noticed a progressive increase in pain in their knee.

💡 Did You Know?

The opposite of 'progresivo' is often 'repentino' or 'brusco,' which describe something sudden or abrupt.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "progresivo"

Synonyms: gradual, paulatino, continuo, creciente
Opposites: repentino, brusco, inmediato

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'progressive / gradual' in Spanish?
The most common translations are 'progresivo' and 'gradual'. 'Progresivo' emphasizes a step-by-step advancement, while 'gradual' highlights the slow and steady nature of the change.
How do you pronounce 'progresivo' in Spanish?
It's pronounced pro-gre-SEE-vo. The stress falls on the 'SEE' syllable.
How do you use 'progresivo' in a sentence?
Here are some examples: 'El curso tiene un enfoque progresivo' (The course has a progressive approach). 'La introducción de nuevas tecnologías fue progresiva' (The introduction of new technologies was progressive).
What is the English translation of 'progresivo'?
The main translations are 'progressive' and 'gradual'.
Does 'progresivo' change for gender or number?
Yes, it does. It changes to 'progresiva' for feminine nouns and 'progresivos' or 'progresivas' for plural nouns.
Is 'progresivo' common in everyday Spanish?
While not as common as some basic adjectives, it's frequently used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing change, development, or processes.
Does 'progresivo' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'progresivo' doesn't have any slang or double meanings. Its meaning is generally straightforward.
Is 'progresivo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'progresivo' are consistent across Spain and Latin America.

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