Definition

Verb (transitive): To advance or move forward to a subsequent stage, level, or position, especially after meeting required criteria or overcoming an obstacle. It implies successful transition from one point to a more advanced one.

Usage

This verb is used to describe the act of successfully reaching a more advanced stage in a process, such as in education, career, or competition. It often carries a connotation of achievement.

Examples

• After passing all her exams, she progressed to the final year of her degree program.
• The team won their qualifying match and progressed to the championship finals.
• He worked hard and progressed to a managerial position within two years.

Advanced Usage

• "progress to the point of (doing) something": To advance until a specific condition or ability is reached.
  • The disease had progressed to the point of causing severe mobility issues.
• In formal or technical contexts (e.g., medicine, project management), it can describe the forward movement of a condition or process.
  • The infection progressed to sepsis, requiring immediate intervention.

Variants and Related Words

• Progress (noun): Forward or onward movement toward a destination or goal.
  • The progress of the construction project is ahead of schedule.
• Progression (noun): The process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state.
  • The logical progression of his argument was easy to follow.

Synonyms

• Advance to: To move forward to a further point.
• Move on to: To leave one activity or stage and begin another.
• Graduate to: To successfully complete a level and move to a higher one (often used literally for education).
• Attain: To succeed in achieving something after effort.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Move up to: To advance to a higher rank or level.
  • She moved up to the senior division after an outstanding season.
• Get through to: To succeed in reaching a subsequent stage, especially in a competition.
  • Our national team got through to the World Cup quarter-finals.

Related Idioms

• Make the grade: To reach the required standard; to succeed.
  • The reference context notes: "She may not make the grade," meaning she may not succeed or progress.
• Make it: To be successful in reaching a goal or destination.
  • The reference context notes: "We made it!" expressing success in progressing.

Verb

1. reach a goal, e.g., "make the first team"
   • We made it!
   • She may not make the grade