Progress and Development are two terms that are often confused due to their similar meanings. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Key Takeaways
- Progress implies forward or onward movement towards a destination, while development does not.
- Progress often indicates betterment and improvement, while development indicates a stage of growth or advancement.
- Development can also be used in other senses, such as referring to the processing of a photograph or the advancement of an area’s facilities and amenities.
One of the main differences between progress and development is that the word “progress” includes the idea of “movement.” In contrast, the word “development” does not convey the same sense of movement. As a result, progress is a forward or onward movement towards a specific destination, whereas development does not imply this kind of movement.
Sometimes, the word “progress” indicates an advance towards completion and can also suggest betterment and improvement. For example, the statement “He has shown no progress in his health” means that his health has not shown any improvement. In some cases, the word “progress” can also convey the sense of “continue,” as in the sentence “The argument is progressing.”
On the other hand, development refers to the act or instance of growth or the process of being grown. Development always indicates a stage of growth or advancement and relates to an event or circumstance.
The word “development” can also be used in other contexts, such as in the sentences “The photograph was later developed” and “The particular area of land developed in recent years.” In the first sentence, the word “development” conveys the idea of “processed,” meaning the photograph was later processed. In the second sentence, “development” implies that the area of land has advanced in facilities and amenities.
Sometimes, “development” is used to describe something that became bigger, fuller, more elaborate, or systematic. For example, the statement “The village developed rapidly” suggests that the village became more systematic and fuller in its makeup. It is essential to use the two words, “progress” and “development,” with precision.
