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

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

Past

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

Future

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

Proceed carefully if you are considering an annuity.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 4, 2025

An investor in the disastrous Fyre Festival has issued a warning to anyone interested in going to its planned reboot: "Proceed with caution."

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2024

Proceed based on your own tolerance for spookiness.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2023

Proceed with the recipe using this in place of the browned sausage.

From Salon • Oct. 19, 2023

He leaned back and shouted to the others, “I have found him! Proceed without us!”

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

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