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progression

n.
US //pɹəˈɡɹɛʃən// UK //pɹəɡɹˈɛʃən// pro·gres·sion
  1. 1 development or advancement (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the process of developing or moving to a higher or more advanced level.

    the act of progressing or moving forward in a course of development or evolution.

    Example

    The doctor was happy with the patient's steady progression toward full health.

    Example

    The natural progression of the disease can be slowed significantly if the patient adheres to the prescribed therapeutic regimen.

  2. 2 a sequence of stages (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a series of things that follow one after another in a logical order.

    a sequence or continuous series of events, stages, or items that follow a logical or chronological order.

    Example

    The book shows the progression of the artist's style over forty years.

    Example

    The curriculum follows a logical progression, ensuring that students master fundamental concepts before moving on to more abstract theories.

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  1. 3 mathematical sequence (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    a series of numbers where each number is found by adding or multiplying the same amount each time.

    a sequence of numbers in which there is a constant relation between any number and the one succeeding it.

    Example

    In an arithmetic progression like 2, 4, 6, 8, you add two to each number.

    Example

    The students were asked to calculate the tenth term of the geometric progression by identifying the common ratio between the initial integers.

  2. 4 chord sequence (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    a series of musical notes or chords played one after another.

    a succession of musical chords or harmonic changes that forms the basis of a section of music.

    Example

    The song uses a simple chord progression that is very easy to learn on guitar.

    Example

    The composer utilised a non-traditional harmonic progression to create a sense of unease that resolved only in the final bars of the movement.

Origin

From Middle English progressioun, from Old French progression and its etymon Latin prōgressiō. By surface analysis, progress + -ion.

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