'progressivism' originates from the Latin word 'progressus,' where 'pro-' meant 'forward' and 'gradi' meant 'to step.'

'progressus' transformed into the French word 'progrès,' and eventually became the modern English word 'progress' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'moving forward or advancing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'advocating for reform and improvement.'