voortschrijding

Voortschrijding is a Dutch noun that denotes the act or process of progressing forward. In English it is commonly translated as progression, advancement, or development. The term is used to describe gradual change or movement over time in a wide range of contexts, from everyday life to formal analysis.

Etymologically, voortschrijding is formed from the prefix voort- meaning forward and a historical form related to moving or proceeding. The word has a broad, general sense and is often reserved for more formal or explanatory writing.

In practice, voortschrijding is most often used to refer to the forward movement of phenomena, ideas, or situations. It can describe technological, social, or intellectual development, the evolution of a project, or the unfolding of events. In contemporary Dutch, however, more common synonyms such as vooruitgang, voortgang, or ontwikkeling are frequently preferred for everyday speech, while voortschrijding may appear in historical, theoretical, or literary contexts.

In mathematics and science, more specific terms are usually favored in modern usage; progressie or the word progressie (progression) is typical for describing sequences, while rij (sequence) or reeks (series) are used for formal structures. Nevertheless, voortschrijding can appear in older publications or in stylistic contexts to emphasize a continuous, forward-moving process rather than a discrete step.

A related expression is voortschrijdend inzicht, which denotes growing understanding or insight over time. This phrase is common in philosophical, theological, and academic discourse when discussing how knowledge or doctrines evolve.

See also: vooruitgang, voortgang, ontwikkeling, progressie.