proceder
/pɾoθeˈdeɾ/
To proceed in Spanish is to proceder.
The verb proceder is primarily used for abstract actions, legal steps or formal processes. When combined with the preposition con, it means to proceed with a specific plan or action (proceder con). If you use the preposition de after the verb, the meaning changes to originate or derive from something (proceder de). In formal contexts, the word can also refer to a person's or entity's conduct or behavior.
Meaning: go ahead (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoθeˈdeɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using proceder to describe physical movement forward. English speakers often make this error. For moving forward in a physical sense, it is more natural to use avanzar.
Did you know?
- In Spanish legal contexts, the phrase no procede is often used to declare that a claim or request is inadmissible or lacks legal basis, regardless of the physical facts.
- Because proceder can describe a person's behavior, calling someone's proceder 'improper' is a common way to critique their ethics without attacking their personality directly.
- The Spanish proceder shares a root with the English word 'precede', but while the English word focuses on coming before, proceder focuses on the way a process is carried out.
Examples in context
- Con su madre fuera de su camino, Duke fue capaz de proceder con su plan de malversar el dinero de la compañía.With his mother out of the way, Duke was able to proceed with his plan to embezzle the money from the company.This sentence shows how to use proceder regarding a plan of action.Tatoeba #1635932 by teskmon, translation #320887 by CP
- No tiene una idea clara de cómo proceder.He has no distinct idea of how to proceed.This sentence demonstrates using proceder to describe the concept of knowing how to carry out a process.Tatoeba #802855 by darinmex, translation #297053 by CM
- Sigue adelante con el proyectoProceed with the project
- Continúa sin míProceed without me
- Sigue adelante, no te preocupesProceed, don't worry
- Debemos proceder con la cirugía de inmediato.We must proceed with the surgery immediately.
Example conversation
A manager and an employee discuss a new project.
- MateoElena, ¿podemos proceder con el proyecto?Elena, can we proceed with the project?
- ElenaSí, Mateo, todo está listo.Yes, Mateo, everything is ready.
- MateoPerfecto, empecemos hoy mismo.Perfect, let's start today.
- ElenaMe parece muy bien.That sounds very good to me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry proceder, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
