proceed

verb

Saypruh-SEED/pɹəˈsid/UK/pɹəˈsiːd/

Often confused with precede

8 meanings of proceed

1
verbintransitive
To keep moving forward or go ahead.
Like walking ahead down a path without stopping.
After the light turned green, the cars began to proceed.
The hikers proceeded slowly up the steep trail.
Similaradvance, continue, go (entry), move, progress
Oppositestop, halt, retreat
Note
2
verbintransitive
To move from one part, subject, or step to the next.
Like moving from one step of a recipe to the next.
After the introductions, we proceed to the main topic.
The teacher proceeded to the next chapter.
Similarmove, pass, go (entry), progress, advance
3
verbintransitive
To go on in a careful, step-by-step way.
Like following the steps of a plan one at a time.
Please proceed carefully and check each step.
The committee proceeded according to the agreed rules.
Similarprogress, continue, advance, move, work
Note
4
verbintransitive
To happen or take place as planned.
Like a show that still happens even if a few people are missing.
The meeting will proceed even if it rains.
The wedding proceeded without any problems.
Similarcontinue, unfold, occur, happen
Oppositestop, halt
5
verbintransitive
To come from a person or thing as its source.
Like a stream that flows out from a single spring.
All these problems proceed from one simple mistake.
The rumor proceeded from a single misunderstanding.
Similarstem, arise, derive, originate, spring
Note
6
verbintransitive
To work or hold true as a reason or argument.
Like a key that only works if it fits the lock.
That excuse does not proceed when the rules are clear.
Their argument proceeds only if the first claim is true.
Similarstand, hold, apply, succeed
Oppositefail
Note
7
verbintransitive
To start and continue a case in court.
Like making a complaint and then following it all the way through.
They decided to proceed against the company in court.
The prosecutor proceeded with charges last month.
Note
8
verbintransitive
To move up to and earn a university degree.
Like moving up to the next level after passing a test.
She hopes to proceed to a master's degree next year.
He proceeded to a doctorate after finishing his studies.
Similaradvance, progress, graduate, move

Practice

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Origin

From Latin prōcēdō, meaning "to go forward," made from prō ("forth") and cēdō ("I go").