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:
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.