proceed

American  

[pruh-seed, proh-seed] / prəˈsid, ˈproʊ sid /

verb (used without object)

proceeds, present (3rd person singular) proceeded, past participle, past proceeding present participle

1. to move or go forward or onward, especially after stopping.

   Synonyms:

   continue, progress

   Antonyms:

   recede

2. to carry on or continue any action or process.

3. to go on to do something.

4. to continue one's discourse.

5. Law.

   1. to begin and carry on a legal action.

   2. to take legal action (usually followed byagainst ).

6. to be carried on, as an action or process.

7. to go or come forth; issue (often followed byfrom ).

   Synonyms:

   emanate

8. to arise, originate, or result (usually followed byfrom ).

   Synonyms:

   ensue, spring

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noun

1. proceeds,

   1. something that results or accrues.

   2. the total amount derived from a sale or other transaction.

      The proceeds from the deal were divided equally among us.

   3. the profits or returns from a sale, investment, etc.

2. Archaic. proceeds.

proceed British  

/ prəˈsiːd /

verb

1. (often foll by to) to advance or carry on, esp after stopping

2. (often foll by with) to undertake and continue (something or to do something)

   he proceeded with his reading

3. (often foll by against) to institute or carry on a legal action

4. to emerge or originate; arise

   evil proceeds from the heart

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Synonym Usage

See advance.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• reproceed
  verb (used without object)
• proceeder
  noun

Conjugated Forms

Present

• have proceeded
  perfect
• has proceeded
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have been proceeding
  perfect progressive
• are proceeding
  progressive
• has been proceeding
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• am proceeding
  progressive 1st person singular
• is proceeding
  progressive 3rd person singular
• proceeds
  singular 3rd person
• proceeding
  participle

Past

• had proceeded
  perfect
• were proceeding
  progressive plural
• had been proceeding
  perfect progressive
• was proceeding
  progressive singular
• proceeded
  participle
• proceeded
  simple

Future

• will proceed
  simple
• will have proceeded
  perfect
• will have been proceeding
  perfect progressive
• will be proceeding
  progressive

Etymology

Origin of proceed

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English procede, from Latin prōcēdere; see pro- ¹, cede

Explanation

To proceed means to go or continue forward. But somehow "ready, set, proceed!" doesn't quite have the same ring to it. From the Latin procedere, meaning “go forward, advance,” proceed is a verb that simply means to keep going, particularly after there’s been an interruption. Synonyms include progress and advance. People who constantly interrupt make it really difficult for the conversation to proceed smoothly. And proceed with caution when crossing a busy street, but if the light turns red, you better move it fast!

Example Sentences

The case will not proceed until the fall.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Organisers said marchers were also "forced to proceed through slurry spread on the road, creating an unnecessary hazard and a degrading experience for peaceful participants".

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Later Friday morning, Roscosmos chose not to proceed with the structural repair work.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

He added that it was too early to say how the Fisher Island parties will proceed with their lawsuit trying to block eminent domain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

“Then proceed to the sleeping car and enter it through the rear door. We can talk privately there without bringing this entire case to rubble on our heads here in the open.”

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Related Words

• advance
• continue
• get
• go ahead
• go on
• pass
• press on
• progress
• travel