proceed
Americanverb (used without object)
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to move or go forward or onward, especially after stopping.
- Antonyms:
- recede
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to carry on or continue any action or process.
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to go on to do something.
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to continue one's discourse.
-
Law.
-
to begin and carry on a legal action.
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to take legal action (usually followed byagainst ).
-
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to be carried on, as an action or process.
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to go or come forth; issue (often followed byfrom ).
- Synonyms:
- emanate
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to arise, originate, or result (usually followed byfrom ).
noun
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proceeds,
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something that results or accrues.
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the total amount derived from a sale or other transaction.
The proceeds from the deal were divided equally among us.
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the profits or returns from a sale, investment, etc.
-
-
Archaic. proceeds.
verb
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(often foll by to) to advance or carry on, esp after stopping
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(often foll by with) to undertake and continue (something or to do something)
he proceeded with his reading
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(often foll by against) to institute or carry on a legal action
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to emerge or originate; arise
evil proceeds from the heart
Related Words
See advance.
Other Word Forms
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!
Vocabulary lists containing proceed
Power Prefix: pro
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Beowulf vocabulary
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UCPS 6th Grade Roots List #1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Judges will assess whether the charges against El Hishri are credible enough to proceed to a full trial.
From Barron's • May 19, 2026
The judge struck two less significant claims from the lawsuits filed last year, but allowed the case to proceed against more than dozen major California insurers, led by State Farm General, the state’s largest.
From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026
A judge has allowed the suit to proceed.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
The court did not have to proceed in such a hurried fashion.
From Slate • May 13, 2026
With Myers back as the primary witness and Bill Hooks ready to say that he saw Walter's truck at the crime scene, the district attorney believed that he could proceed against McMillian.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
