succeed
v.-
1 to achieve a goal (v.) A2 Elementaryto reach a goal or get the result you wanted after trying hard.
to achieve the desired aim or result; to prosper in a specific endeavour.
ExampleAfter months of practice, she finally succeeded in running a full marathon.
ExampleDespite the initial technical setbacks, the research team succeeded in isolating the specific protein responsible for the reaction.
UsageThe verb is intransitive and typically takes the preposition 'in' followed by a noun or gerund.
PitfallHe succeeded to pass the exam.He succeeded in passing the exam.The verb 'succeed' is followed by the preposition 'in' and a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
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2 to follow in a job (v.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formalto take over a job or position after the person before you leaves.
to take over an office, title, or position from a predecessor.
ExampleThe vice president will succeed the president if he decides to retire early.
ExampleUpon the sudden abdication of his father, the young prince was forced to succeed to the throne during a period of intense political instability.
UsageCan be used transitively (succeed someone) or intransitively with 'to' (succeed to the throne).
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3 to come after in time (v.) C1 Advanced Academic Formalto happen or come after something else in a series.
to follow something in a sequence, order, or time.
ExampleA period of heavy rain succeeded the long, dry summer.
ExampleThe collapse of the central government was succeeded by a decade of fragmented rule by local warlords.
UsageOften used in the passive voice or in historical contexts to describe chronological order.
From Old French succeder, from Latin succedere (“to go under, go from under, come under, approach, follow, take the place of, receive by succession, prosper, be successful”).