Proceed

prəˈsiːd

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To continue or start a course of action.

prəˈsiːd

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To begin or continue a course of action.

The investigation will proceed despite the lack of evidence.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a Lego castle. To *proceed* means to start working on the next part or to keep building it until it's done. For example, "Okay, we've put the walls up; now, let's proceed with the roof!"

👶 For kids: To start doing something, or to keep doing something.

More Examples

2

Please proceed to the next step in the instructions.

3

After a short delay, the ceremony proceeded.

How It's Used

Business

"The meeting will proceed after a short break."

Legal

"The legal proceedings will proceed as scheduled."

2

To move or travel in a certain direction or route.

prəˈsiːd

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To advance or move forward.

The train will proceed to its next destination.

💡 Simply: Imagine a line of people walking down the street. To *proceed* means to keep walking forward, one step at a time. For example, "The hikers proceeded along the trail, enjoying the scenery."

👶 For kids: To walk or move forward.

More Examples

2

We will proceed on foot if the road is blocked.

3

The convoy proceeded slowly through the desert.

How It's Used

General

"The parade will proceed down Main Street."

Tip:Think of a procession or a parade. They all *proceed* along a path.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

Proceed with caution

To do something carefully, being aware of potential dangers or risks.

"The construction workers were told to proceed with caution due to the unstable ground."

From Middle French *procéder*, from Latin *procedere* meaning 'to go forward, advance'.

The word has been used since the 14th century, originally with a sense of going forward, and later expanding to include starting or continuing an action.

Memory tip

Imagine the word as pro-seed (like planting a seed), and the action starts to grow.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to go forward, advance"

proceed with cautionproceed toproceed furtherproceed with the plan

Common misspellings

procedeproseed

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written