What does "proceed" mean?

1. (to continue) to continue doing something that has already started. 2. (to move forward) to move in a particular direction. 3. (to come from) to happen or start as a result of something else. 4. (legal action) to start or continue a legal case against someone.

How do you use "proceed"?

Commonly followed by 'with' plus a noun phrase. Usually takes the preposition 'to' or 'along'. Typically takes the preposition 'from'. Often used with 'against' when referring to a person or entity being sued.

proceed

US //pɝˈsid// UK //pɹəsˈiːd// pro·ceed

1 to continue (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

to continue doing something that has already started.

to continue with a course of action or a task already initiated. Often used with the preposition 'with'.

Example

After the short break, the manager asked us to proceed with the meeting.

Example

The board of directors decided to proceed with the merger despite the concerns raised by the legal department regarding international regulations.

Usage

Commonly followed by 'with' plus a noun phrase.
2 to move forward (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

to move in a particular direction.

to move forward or onwards, especially after stopping. Intransitive; typically followed by a prepositional phrase of direction.

Example

Passengers for the flight to London should proceed to gate twelve immediately.

Example

The hikers were instructed to proceed along the marked trail until they reached the base camp located near the northern ridge.

Usage

Usually takes the preposition 'to' or 'along'.
- retreat
- recede

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3 to come from (v.)
C1 Advanced Academic Formal

to happen or start as a result of something else.

to arise or originate from a specific source. Often used in academic or technical contexts to describe causality.

Example

The problems in the company proceed from a lack of clear communication.

Example

The researchers argued that the observed chemical changes proceed from the interaction between the catalyst and the ambient moisture.

Usage

Typically takes the preposition 'from'.
4 legal action (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

to start or continue a legal case against someone.

to initiate or carry on legal action or a formal judicial process.

Example

The victim decided to proceed against the company for negligence.

Example

The crown prosecutor determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed against the defendant on all three counts of fraud.

Usage

Often used with 'against' when referring to a person or entity being sued.
- litigate
- sue
- settle
- withdraw

Origin

From Middle English proceden, from Old French proceder, from Latin prōcēdō (“to go forth, go forward, advance”), from prō (“forth”) + cēdō (“to go”); see cede.