I.a going forth or forward, progression; trop., advancement, progress, growth, increase (a favorite word with Cicero).
I. In gen.: “omnium rerum principia parva sunt, sed suis progressionibus usa augentur,” Cic. Fin. 5, 21, 58; cf. id. Ac. 1, 5, 20: “progressionem, virtutem persequi,” id. Fin. 4, 7, 17: “progressio admirabilis ad omnem excellentiam,” id. Tusc. 4, 1, 1: “progressionem facere ad virtutem,” id. Fin. 4, 24, 66: “discendi,” id. Off. 3, 3, 14.—
II. In partic., a figure of speech, a progression, climax, i. e. a progressive strengthening of expressions, Cic. de Or. 3, 54, 206; Quint. 9, 1, 33.