The word “progress” comes from the Latin progressus, meaning “a going forward, advance, or growth.” This, in turn, derives from the verb progredi, composed of:
• pro-, meaning “forward” or “forth,”
• gradi, meaning “to walk” or “step.”
The root gradus (“step”) is also the source of related English words like “graduate” (one who steps forward in learning) and “grade” (a level or step).
In its historical usage, “progress” has always conveyed the idea of movement toward a better, more developed, or advanced state, whether literally (moving forward) or metaphorically (advancing in knowledge, society, or personal growth).