progression

Everyday

1. Moving forward or developing step by step from one stage to another: «the progression from caterpillar to butterfly». tree →
2. (maths) A sequence of numbers that follow a rule, like 3, 6, 9, 12 (an arithmetic progression) or 2, 4, 8, 16 (a geometric progression). tree →
3. (music) A series of chords played one after another: «a chord progression». tree →
4. Getting better or worse over time, as in an illness or in skill. tree →

In the lessons

In school maths, a progression is a number pattern with a steady rule; in science it describes the stages of growth; in sport and learning it shows getting better. Phrases: «arithmetic progression», «geometric progression», «chord progression», «natural progression».

Examples

• The numbers 5, 10, 15, 20 form an arithmetic progression. tree →
• In a geometric progression you multiply by the same number each time. tree →
• We watched the progression from tadpole to frog. tree →
• Moving from swimming lessons to the team was a natural progression. tree →
• The guitar song uses a simple chord progression. tree →
• Doctors try to slow the progression of the disease. tree →
• Our reading books show a progression from easy to hard. tree →

Note

Countable in maths and music (a progression, progressions). Verb: progress; adjective: progressive. Maths: in an arithmetic progression each term = previous term + the same difference (3, 7, 11: +4); in a geometric progression each term = previous term × the same ratio (3, 6, 12: ×2).

In Jewish tradition

In school maths, a progression is a number pattern with a steady rule; in science it describes the stages of growth; in sport and learning it shows getting better. Phrases: «arithmetic progression», «geometric progression», «chord progression», «natural progression».

Examples

• 1) Our author maintains that there is a first intelligent, self-existing, almighty, eternal ruling cause of all things, and that an everlasting entity produced nonentities by a progression of effects. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

Countable in maths and music (a progression, progressions). Verb: progress; adjective: progressive. Maths: in an arithmetic progression each term = previous term + the same difference (3, 7, 11: +4); in a geometric progression each term = previous term × the same ratio (3, 6, 12: ×2).