What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Proceed vs Prosecute - What's the difference?

proceed | prosecute |

As verbs the difference between proceed and prosecute

is that proceed is to move, pass, or go forward or onward; to advance; to continue or renew motion begun while prosecute is (legal) to start criminal proceedings against.

proceed

English

(Webster 1913)

Verb

(en verb)
  • To move, pass, or go forward or onward; to advance; to continue or renew motion begun.
  • to proceed on a journey.
  • To pass from one point, topic, or stage, to another.
  • To proceed with a story or argument.
  • To issue or come forth as from a source or origin; to come from.
  • Light proceeds from the sun.
  • To go on in an orderly or regulated manner; to begin and carry on a series of acts or measures; to act by method; to prosecute a design.
  • * John Locke
  • he that proceeds upon other Principles in his Enquiry
  • To be transacted; to take place; to occur.
  • * Shakespeare
  • He will, after his sour fashion, tell you / What hath proceeded worthy note to-day.
  • To have application or effect; to operate.
  • * Ayliffe
  • This rule only proceeds and takes place when a person can not of common law condemn another by his sentence.
  • To begin and carry on a legal process. (rfex)
  • Usage notes

    * This is a catenative verb that takes the to infinitive . See * Not to be confused with precede. * Many of the other English verbs ultimately derived from Latin are spelled ending in "cede", so the misspelling "procede" is common.

    Synonyms

    * progress

    Antonyms

    * regress * recede

    References

    * *

    See also

    * proceeds (noun)

    prosecute

    English

    Verb

    (prosecut)
  • (legal) To start criminal proceedings against.
  • to prosecute a man for trespass, or for a riot
  • * Milton
  • To acquit themselves and prosecute their foes.
  • (legal) To charge, try.
  • To seek to obtain by legal process.
  • to prosecute a right or a claim in a court of law
  • To pursue something to the end.
  • to prosecute a scheme, hope, or claim
  • * Shakespeare
  • I am beloved of beauteous Hermia; / Why should not I, then, prosecute my right?

    Derived terms

    * prosecutable