Progressist

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An individual who endorses modern social reforms and innovative changes aimed at fostering equity and improving community life is considered a supporter of progressive ideologies
2. Someone who supports advancements in social policies and strives to implement changes for societal improvement
3. An individual favoring innovation and reform in political, economic, or social institutions to achieve justice and equality

Etymology: "Progressist" is a plain formation: "progress" combined with the suffix "-ist," which marks a person who adheres to or advocates a doctrine or cause. The pattern is the same as in "socialist" or "modernist," and the result describes someone who backs progressive reform in social matters. The noun sits alongside the more familiar "progressive," which is also a noun for such a person, and the -ist form gives it the sense of a committed follower of the cause rather than simply someone who holds its views.

Synonyms: reformer, advocate, liberal, improver, innovator

Antonyms: conservative, traditionalist, reactionary, regressive, antiprogessive