The phrase "makes progress" has a fairly straightforward spelling. The first syllable, "makes", is pronounced /meɪks/, with the long A sound represented by the "a" and the "k" and "s" pronounced as expected. The second syllable, "progress", is pronounced /ˈprɑː.ɡres/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "pro" sound represented by the "pr" and "o". The final "ss" sound is represented by the letter "s". Overall, the spelling of "makes progress" is fairly intuitive for English speakers.
The phrase "makes progress" refers to the act or process of advancing, developing, or improving in a particular area or towards a specific goal. It indicates a positive movement or forward motion in a given context. Progress can be made in various aspects of life, such as personal growth, learning, professional achievement, project completion, or even societal advancements.
When an individual or a group "makes progress," it suggests that they are making successful and tangible strides towards accomplishing their objectives, experiencing positive changes, or attaining desired outcomes. This could involve acquiring new skills, gaining knowledge, overcoming obstacles, or achieving milestones along the way. Making progress is often characterized by a sense of improvement, advancement, and forward momentum.
The notion of making progress is subjective and context-dependent, varying across different domains and objectives. It can be measured by a variety of criteria such as the accumulation of new accomplishments, meeting specific targets or benchmarks, increasing proficiency, or acquiring a deeper understanding of a subject matter. While progress may not always be linear or consistently upward, the overall trend is indicative of positive evolution and development.
Overall, to make progress implies an active and intentional effort towards growth and improvement. It represents a willingness to learn, adapt, and take necessary steps to move closer to the desired outcome. Making progress is driven by determination, resilience, and continuous efforts to push beyond one's comfort zone, enhancing one's overall abilities, knowledge, or circumstances for further success and fulfillment in pursuits.
The etymology of the phrase "makes progress" can be traced back to the individual origins of both words.
1. "Make" comes from the Old English word "macian", which means "to construct, form, or prepare". It has cognates in other Germanic languages such as German "machen" and Dutch "maken".
2. "Progress" comes from the Latin word "progressus", which is the past participle of the verb "progredi", meaning "to go forward, advance". The word "progressus" was adopted into Old French as "progresser" before entering English.
Combining these two words, "makes progress" implies the act of constructing or forming advancement or forward movement.