Words / C1

pr-uh-SEED/prəˈsiːd/

To proceed is to continue, often after a pause or permission: proceed with recruitment, proceed to the next item. Go on and continue are everyday; precede (already in the dictionary) is come before — a lookalike. Proceeds are the money from a sale. Do not proceed without the signature the protocol names.

Meaning

To continue, especially after a pause or after permission; also to go in a direction.

Examples

• “Do not proceed to recruitment until ethics has signed.”
• “Do not proceed to recruitment until ethics has signed the last page.”
• “Continue is everyday. Precede is “come before”. The proceeds of the raffle are the takings. Procedure (already in the dictionary) is the set of steps. Process is the unfolding. Proceed = go ahead.”

Good to know

Go ahead; continue. Everyday: continue. Mix-up: precede (come before). Noun trap: proceeds (money). Related: procedure / process. Wait for the named sign-off.

Near in meaning

continue

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