succeed
suhk-SEED
Succeed (verb) means to achieve a desired goal or outcome. Example: “She worked hard and finally succeeded in passing the bar exam.”
verb
1
To achieve a desired goal or outcome.
"She worked hard and finally succeeded in passing the bar exam."
"The negotiations succeeded after months of talks."
"If you keep practising, you will succeed in learning to swim."
2
To take over a position, office, or title after someone else.
"His eldest daughter will succeed him as CEO."
"After the head teacher retired, a younger colleague succeeded her in the role."
"The prince will succeed to the throne when his mother steps down."
How to use succeed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither to achieve what you were trying to do, or to come next and take someone's place.
Common mistake
"Succeed in" doing something (achieving) is different from "succeed to" a title or "succeed" someone (taking their place).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
succeed in
succeed the throne
succeed at
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- succeeds
- Past tense
- succeeded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She worked hard and finally _____ in passing the bar exam.
Etymology
From Old French succeder, from Latin succedere ("to come after, take the place of, prosper"), from sub- ("under, next to") plus cedere ("to go, yield").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for succeed
See all rhymes for succeed →Frequently asked questions
What does “succeed” mean?
The word “succeed” means to achieve a desired goal or outcome. In plain terms, either to achieve what you were trying to do, or to come next and take someone's place.
How do you pronounce “succeed”?
“Succeed” is pronounced suhk-SEED (/səkˈsiːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “succeed” in a sentence?
Here is “succeed” used in a sentence: “She worked hard and finally succeeded in passing the bar exam.”
What is another word for “succeed”?
Words with a similar meaning to “succeed” include flourish, ensue, follow and follow on.
What is the opposite of “succeed”?
The opposite of “succeed” — its antonyms — are precede, fail and fall on one's face.
What part of speech is “succeed”?
“Succeed” is a verb.
Where does the word “succeed” come from?
The word “succeed” comes from Latin. From Old French succeder, from Latin succedere ("to come after, take the place of, prosper"), from sub- ("under, next to") plus cedere ("to go, yield").
Is “succeed” a common word?
“Succeed” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between the two meanings of "succeed"?
"Succeed" has two distinct senses: to achieve a desired goal or outcome, as in "she succeeded in passing the exam," and to take over a position or title after someone else, as in "he succeeded his father as king." Context and often the preposition make clear which is meant.
What preposition follows "succeed"?
When "succeed" means to achieve something, it is followed by "in" plus a noun or -ing form, as in "succeed in business" or "succeed in finishing." When it means to follow into a role, it is followed by "to," as in "succeed to the throne."
What is the difference between "succeed" and "precede"?
To succeed can mean to come after or take over from someone, while to precede means to come before them. A monarch who succeeds another follows them, whereas the one who preceded came earlier.
What is the difference between "succeed" and "achieve"?
"Succeed" means to reach a desired goal and is usually intransitive, often paired with "in," as in "he succeeded." "Achieve" is transitive and takes a direct object, as in "he achieved his goal," naming the specific thing accomplished.
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