Precede-Proceed | Commonly Confused Words
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Master confusing words with ease

Precede vs. Proceed

Precede

/prɪˈsiːd/
To happen or come before something or someone in time or order

Examples:

Everything he said contradicted the reputation that had preceded him.'the stranger who called at the house the preceding Wednesday.'Medically speaking, it's the state that precedes nephrosis and gangrene.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Proceed

/prəˈsiːd/
To move forward in an action or process

Examples:

The work was proceeding apace.'Now, wait a bit, Boffin,' Wegg proceeded, 'there is something more.Mr. Squires proceeded to explain that this hotel was very strict.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Precede has the word pre in it, which means before, indicating something that comes before.
  • Proceed sounds a bit like proceedings, which move forward, so it's about moving ahead.
  • Remember that precede is about earlier events or items, while proceed is about continuing or beginning an action.
  • Use the pre- in precede to recall that it relates to what's before.
  • Think of proceed like continuing on a journey; it's the going forward action.
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