Which verb indicates the action of promoting growth or progress?

The verb "expand" signifies the action of promoting growth or progress by increasing in size, volume, scope, or influence. When something is expanded, it typically indicates that it is being developed further, whether in terms of physical dimensions, ideas, or the reach of a project. This aligns directly with the concept of fostering advancement, as expansion often leads to new opportunities and improvements.

In contrast, the other options don't convey the same meaning of promoting growth. "Reduce" implies decreasing something, which is the opposite of growth. "Demote" relates to lowering someone in rank or status, indicating regression rather than progress. "Adapt" refers to adjusting to new conditions, which can be a form of growth in some contexts but does not directly indicate promoting growth as strongly as "expand" does. Overall, "expand" is clearly aligned with the notion of fostering development and progress.