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

• proceeder
  noun

Inflected Forms

Participles

• proceeding
  present
• proceeded
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• proceed
  simple
• proceeds
  simple
• have proceeded
  perfect
• has proceeded
  perfect
• am proceeding
  progressive
• are proceeding
  progressive
• is proceeding
  progressive
• have been proceeding
  perfect progressive
• has been proceeding
  perfect progressive

Past

• proceeded
  simple
• had proceeded
  perfect
• was proceeding
  progressive
• were proceeding
  progressive
• had been proceeding
  perfect progressive

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

"No final decisions to proceed will be taken until all necessary arrangements, assessments and approvals are in place and have been properly considered," they said.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2026

The Supreme Court’s bottom-line conclusion was that Havana Docks’ claim was allowed to proceed under the 1996 act.

From Slate • Jul. 1, 2026

If your home increases a lot in value over the next 5-10 years, that’s another reason to proceed with caution.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 29, 2026

If EU officials decide to proceed with the designation, the companies would have six months to ensure full compliance with the DMA’s obligations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

The impulsive Aureliano Triste did not need such proof to proceed.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Related Words

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