WordGarden.ioproceed
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /prəsˈiːd/
US
- /pərˈsid/
Meanings
Verb
to move forward or continue onward
to continue with an action, process, or next step
to start or carry on formal legal action or a court case
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're playing a board game. When it's your turn, someone might say, "Proceed!" meaning "go ahead" or "continue with your move." But proceed isn't just for games. It means to go forward with an action, often after a pause, a decision, or permission. A detective might proceed with an investigation, carefully following clues. Or, if you've been waiting for approval, you can proceed once it is granted. Sometimes, proceed is used in formal settings, as in "Proceed to the next step." It often suggests moving forward in a careful or orderly way.
The word "proceed" means to go forward with an action or continue a course of action, especially after a pause, a decision, or a signal to continue. It suggests taking steps forward, whether physically or figuratively. For example: "After receiving the green light, the construction crew proceeded with the project," meaning they moved ahead with the work.
Proceed is not just about starting something new; it can also mean continuing an existing action. "The meeting will proceed as scheduled" indicates that it will continue without interruption. It often carries a sense of formality or deliberation. You might proceed with caution when dealing with a difficult situation, or proceed according to established rules and regulations.
You will frequently encounter "proceed" in instructions or official contexts: "Please proceed to Gate 23" or "Proceed with your testimony." It is often paired with words like "carefully," "slowly," or "immediately" to show the manner of moving forward.
Interestingly, proceed comes from Latin roots meaning "to go forward" (pro- "forward" + cedere "to go"). So, at its heart, it is about taking the next step, whether in a game, an investigation, or everyday life. It is not just going; it is going with intention and purpose.
Examples
- 1
Readiness
We can proceed when everyone is ready.
- 2
Project work
The team decided to proceed with the project.
- Patternproceed with + activity
start or continue doing it
- 3
Travel announcement
Please proceed to gate 12 for boarding.
- Usageproceed to + place
go there; often used in formal announcements
- 4
Next action
After a short break, the manager proceeded to explain the new policy.
- Patternproceed to + verb
do the next action
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Plans continuing
The meeting will proceed as planned, even though two people are absent.
- 6
Safety warning
Drivers should proceed with caution in heavy fog.
- Phraseproceed with caution
continue carefully
- 7
Physical movement
She knocked once, then proceeded down the hallway.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- proceedverb
Forms
- proceedsverb
- proceededpast tenseverb
- proceeding-ing formverb