Proceeding

prəˈsiːdɪŋ

nounmedium📊CommonLegal
3 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

A series of actions or events, especially of a formal or legal nature.

prəˈsiːdɪŋ

nounneutralmedium
Legal

An event or a series of actions

The legal proceedings were long and complicated.

💡 Simply: Think of it like what happens at a meeting, a trial, or a special event. It's all the things that people *do* and *say* at the event, like a play or a movie but in real life. For example, the wedding *proceedings* involve the ceremony, the speeches, and the dancing.

👶 For kids: It's like when something is happening, like a meeting or a game. It's all the things that people do and say.

More Examples

2

The proceedings of the conference were published online.

3

The committee discussed the proceedings of their last meeting.

4

The company is following all legal proceedings to finalize the deal.

How It's Used

Legal

"The court proceedings lasted for several weeks."

Business

"Minutes were taken during the board's proceedings."

2

A legal or official action or process.

prəˈsiːdɪŋ

nounneutralmedium
Legal

Legal or official action

The company faced legal proceedings after the accident.

💡 Simply: It's when the government or the law is doing something, like a court case or when a government agency is working. For example, if someone sues someone, that starts the legal *proceedings*.

👶 For kids: When the grown-ups in court or at work are doing official stuff.

More Examples

2

The administrative proceedings led to a change in policy.

3

She decided to drop the proceedings.

4

The entire community waited for the outcome of the proceedings.

How It's Used

Legal

"She was served with court proceedings."

Administrative

"The administrative proceedings resulted in a fine."

Tip:Picture a courtroom or government office; the 'proceedings' are the official actions being taken.
3

The money or profits obtained from a sale, investment, or event.

prəˈsiːdɪŋ

nounneutralmedium
Business

Financial proceeds

The proceeds from the auction went to charity.

💡 Simply: It’s the money you get from doing something, like selling something or having an event. For example, if you sell lemonade for a dollar a glass and sell ten glasses, the *proceeds* are ten dollars.

👶 For kids: The money you get from doing something like selling lemonade.

More Examples

2

The proceeds from the concert covered the expenses.

3

They invested the proceeds into a new project.

4

The sale was quite successful; the proceeds will go to the orphanage.

How It's Used

Financial

"The proceeds from the sale were distributed among the investors."

Business

"The company used the proceeds to expand their operations."

Tip:Think of the financial result of a sale or event; the 'proceeds' are the money you get.

Idioms & expressions

proceed with caution

To act carefully and thoughtfully, especially when dealing with a potentially dangerous or risky situation.

"Given the complexity of the project, we decided to proceed with caution."

From the verb 'proceed', which comes from the Latin 'procedere' meaning 'to go forward'.

Historically, 'proceeding' has been used in legal and administrative contexts to refer to a formal series of steps or actions. Its use has remained consistent over time.

Memory tip

Think of a formal meeting or court case; the 'proceedings' are what happens during it.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"To go forward (procedere - pro (forward) + cedere (to go))"

legal proceedingscourt proceedingsformal proceedingsadministrative proceedingsauction proceedssale proceedsthe proceedings of a meetingproceed with caution

Common misspellings

procedingproseedings

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written