Some n00b Questions: tie downs, shocks, swaybars, etc.

I suppose digressive is the opposite of progressive. I suppose progressive calving means the valveing increases as it opperates so digressive perhaps lets off? I suppose valving is what makes the shock do it's thing. So I suppose progressive calving allows the shock to lessen doing it's thing. But then I like to suppose instead of googling the interests. Except when I prefer googling.