Succeed Meaning
Succeed Definition & Usage
To achieve a desired aim or result, typically after effort or struggle.
Examples
- "She worked hard for years to succeed in her career."
- "The team succeeded in their mission to win the championship."
- "After many setbacks, he finally succeeded in launching his startup."
- "The company's new product succeeded beyond expectations."
- "Despite the challenges, she succeeded in passing all her exams with top marks."
To take the place of someone in a particular role or position, especially after their departure or death.
Examples
- "He succeeded his father as the CEO of the company."
- "The prince will succeed the king after his passing."
- "After the president's resignation, the vice president succeeded to the office."
- "The new manager succeeded her predecessor who retired last year."
- "The young scientist succeeded in filling the shoes of his mentor in the research lab."
To follow in time or sequence, typically after another event or person.
Examples
- "The summer season succeeds the spring, bringing warmer weather."
- "The team captain's injury succeeded in altering the course of the game."
- "The third act of the play succeeds the intermission with a dramatic twist."
- "A new era succeeded the long reign of the monarch."
- "The technology of smartphones succeeded the era of flip phones."
Cultural Context
The word 'succeed' comes from the Latin verb 'succedere', meaning 'to follow after'. It has been used since the Middle Ages to describe both achieving goals and following someone in authority. It retains these meanings today, often used in both professional and personal contexts.
The Final Step
Story
The Final Step
In the bustling city of Rivertown, Anna had always dreamed of becoming a successful architect. After years of hard work in various firms, she finally landed her first major project: designing a museum that would be the cornerstone of the city's cultural revival. But her path to success was not without obstacles. It all began with a failed proposal she submitted to a different city. Her ideas had been bold, yet they were rejected. 'Failure is just the first step toward success,' her mentor often told her. With this in mind, Anna decided to improve her designs. Months of sleepless nights, revisions, and presentations followed. And when she finally submitted the updated project to Rivertown's board of architects, they were impressed. Anna’s success was not just about the beautiful museum she had designed but about her perseverance and commitment to the craft. But success came with another challenge: the firm’s founder, Mr. Branson, had announced his retirement, and someone had to succeed him as the head of the company. Anna was determined to focus on her own career, but the thought of becoming the new leader lingered in her mind. The day arrived when Mr. Branson made the announcement. To everyone’s surprise, Anna was chosen as his successor. She had worked alongside him for years, learning not just about architecture but about leadership. 'You’re not just a great designer, Anna. You have the vision to lead,' he told her. The next few years were a whirlwind of new projects, international collaborations, and personal growth. But despite all her achievements, Anna remembered the lesson she had learned on her journey: success wasn’t just about the destination. It was about having the courage to keep going, even when the world seemed to say 'no'. And as she stood in front of the completed museum, she realized that success was a journey that had taken her from failure to triumph, from following others to leading the way. As Anna looked over the skyline of Rivertown, she smiled, knowing that her next challenge was just beginning. She had succeeded not only in her career but in becoming the person she had always aspired to be—a true leader, capable of inspiring others to follow their dreams, just as she had followed hers.
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