Proceed Meaning
Proceed Definition & Usage
To continue or move forward, especially after a pause, delay, or obstacle. This meaning often implies taking the next step or proceeding with an action.
Examples
- "After the brief delay, the meeting proceeded as scheduled."
- "He paused to adjust his map, then proceeded down the winding road."
- "The doctors proceeded with the surgery after all preparations were complete."
- "She was eager to proceed with her plans for the vacation."
- "The trial proceeded without any further interruptions."
To take the next step in a process, often after approval or following certain procedures. In legal or business contexts, it means to initiate or continue with a formal process.
Examples
- "The company decided to proceed with the merger after the shareholders approved it."
- "Once the contract is signed, we can proceed with the next phase of the project."
- "They will proceed with the lawsuit if the matter is not resolved by next week."
- "After the contract was finalized, we proceeded with the shipment."
- "The committee will proceed with the investigation into the matter."
To continue doing something or go ahead with an activity, especially after someone has given permission or it is understood that the action will take place.
Examples
- "After the manager gave the green light, we proceeded with the event planning."
- "You can proceed with the task once you finish the report."
- "The coach told the players to proceed with their warm-ups before the match."
- "They agreed to proceed with the plan as long as everyone was on board."
- "Once the meeting ended, we proceeded to the lunch break."
Cultural Context
The verb 'proceed' comes from the Latin word 'procedere', which means to go forward or advance. It has been used for centuries in formal and legal language to describe the act of continuing or moving forward with plans or processes. The modern use of 'proceed' often implies a smooth transition from one step to another, whether in business, legal matters, or casual situations.
The Road to Resolution
Story
The Road to Resolution
In the quiet town of Everwood, the residents were eagerly awaiting the opening of the new community center, a project that had been in the works for months. The town hall had already approved the plans, and the contractors were ready to begin. But there was one last hurdle: the budget review. Mayor Thompson had been in meetings all day, deliberating with the council on the final figures. At last, the mayor stood up in the council chamber, looking over the crowd of concerned citizens. 'We’ve worked long and hard on this project,' he said, his voice filled with conviction. 'And now, we can proceed.' The room erupted in applause. The crowd knew that once the final vote passed, the project would move forward. 'Let’s proceed with the next phase,' said the mayor, signaling the approval of the budget. The workers could now start their preparations for the groundbreaking ceremony. Later that afternoon, Emily, the project coordinator, gathered her team in the conference room. 'Alright, team,' she began, 'we’ve got the green light. It’s time to proceed with the next steps. Let's get the paperwork in order and get ready for the groundbreaking ceremony next week.' The team members nodded enthusiastically. They knew that this moment was the result of months of hard work and collaboration. They were excited to proceed with the plans they had carefully crafted. As Emily made her way home that evening, she thought about how far the project had come. What had once been a dream was now a tangible reality. She smiled to herself, proud of the community’s efforts. And just as she turned the corner, her phone buzzed. It was the final confirmation from the mayor's office: they were ready to proceed. In that moment, Emily felt the weight of all the planning and work behind her. The project was no longer just a plan; it was something they were actively moving forward with. The road ahead was clear, and it was time to proceed.
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