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Definition of progressivism

progressivism

/prəˈɡrɛsɪvɪzəm/
pro · gres · siv · ism

Adverb:progressively
•
Adjective:progressive
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progressivism Lexical Profile

progressivism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A political and social philosophy or movement that advocates for social reform, institutional modernization, and the advancement of human conditions through science, technology, and public policy.

Example

"Early twentieth-century progressivism focused heavily on labor rights, antitrust legislation, and public health reforms."


2

An educational philosophy emphasizing experiential learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving over rote memorization.

Example

"Inspired by John Dewey, educational progressivism transformed how classrooms approached hands-on student engagement."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for progressivism

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century from 'progressive' and the suffix '-ism', ultimately deriving from the Latin verb 'progredi' (to go forward), from 'pro-' (forward) and 'gradi' (to step or walk).

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Progressivism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/progressivism
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