i think a progressive is, first off, someone that desires a change in the status quo. however, since this describes conservatives and other schools of thought, i would go on to specify that progressives seem to lean towards the “idealistic” end of the spectrum, in that they truly and optimistically envision a world better for all humanity, and all other species for that matter – making compassion and equality a priority in all that we do and all that we are.

Keywords from above, used in other answers: