progressively

IPA/prəˈɡresɪvli/
KK[prɑɡrˈɛsɪvli]IPA/prəˈɡresɪvli/

progressively — adverb

1. happening slowly over time, with each stage adding to the one before so that the

1.副詞B2
釋義

happening slowly over time, with each stage adding to the one before so that the change becomes stronger, larger, or more noticeable

例句

The math problems became progressively harder as the exam went on.

progressively + comparative adjective (harder)

Quinn's health has been progressively improving since she started the new treatment.

progressively + verb in -ing form (improving)

同義詞
  • increasingly

    focuses on the growing amount rather than the step-by-step nature

  • gradually

    emphasises slowness; less focus on each step building on the previous one

  • step by step

    more informal, often used for processes with clear stages

  • more and more

    very common in everyday speech; less formal than 'progressively'

反義詞
  • suddenly

    implies an overnight or instant change instead of a gradual buildup

  • abruptly

    suggests an unwelcome stop or shift with no steady progression

文法句型

progressively + comparative adjective (worse/harder/better)

progressively + verb (worsen/improve/increase)

用法筆記

Commonly used with comparative adjectives (worse, harder, better) or verbs of change (improve, worsen, increase). Do not use with non-gradable adjectives (e.g. perfect, dead, impossible).

常見錯誤

❌The weather got progressively perfect.
✅The weather got progressively better.
💡'progressively' only works with gradable words that can increase in degree step by step.