VOCABULARY — Choose the antonym (opposite in meaning) of the highlighted word. Sentence: “Those whose views are PROGRESSIVE often meet with formidable impediments when they begin to act.”

Introduction / Context:
“Progressive” describes forward-looking or reformist views. The antonym must mean moving backward in ideas or favoring a return to a former state.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Semantic axis: forward change vs backward movement.
• Two plausible opposites given: “retrograde” and “outmoded”.
• We must pick the most precise lexical antonym.

Concept / Approach:
“Retrograde” literally means moving backward or reverting to an earlier, worse state—this is the textbook antonym to “progressive.” “Outmoded” means old-fashioned, but not necessarily advocating reversal; it describes style or relevance, not directionality of ideology.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Parse “progressive” as pro-change, forward-thinking.2) Identify exact counterterm: “retrograde”.3) Eliminate distractors: “revolutionary” is a near-synonym; “brave” is unrelated; “outmoded” is weaker and not a directional antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Lexical pairing in political discourse commonly contrasts progressive vs retrograde policies. This confirms precision.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A) “revolutionary” — intensifies change; not opposite.C) “brave” — trait, not ideology.D) “outmoded” — obsolete, but not inherently anti-progress.E) Not applicable; a perfect antonym exists.

Common Pitfalls:
Choosing “outmoded” due to age connotation. Antonyms should mirror the same semantic dimension (forward vs backward), which “retrograde” does.

Final Answer:
retrograde