6 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A space probe is a spacecraft which travels into space with no people in it, usually in order to study the planets and send information about them back to earth.
pro|bity /proʊ b I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Probity is a high standard of correct moral behaviour. [FORMAL ] □ He asserted his innocence and his financial probity.
prob|lem ◆◆◆ /prɒ bləm/ (problems )
1 N‑COUNT A problem is a situation that is unsatisfactory and causes difficulties for people. □ [+ of ] …the economic problems of the inner city. □ The main problem is unemployment. □ He told Americans that solving the energy problem was very important. [Also + with ]
2 N‑COUNT A problem is a puzzle that requires logical thought or mathematics to solve it. □ With mathematical problems, you can save time by approximating.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Problem children or problem families have serious problems or cause serious problems for other people. □ In some cases a problem child is placed in a special school. USAGE problem
Don’t use ‘problem’ with why
when you are explaining the reason something happened. Don’t say, for example, ‘
prob|lem|at|ic /prɒ bləmæ t I k/ ADJ Something that is problematic involves problems and difficulties. □ Some places are more problematic than others for women travelling alone.
prob|lem|ati|cal /prɒ bləmæ t I k ə l/ ADJ Problematical means the same as problematic . [FORMAL ]
pro|cedur|al /prəsiː dʒərəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Procedural means involving a formal procedure. [FORMAL ] □ A Spanish judge rejected the suit on procedural grounds.
pro|cedure ◆◇◇ /prəsiː dʒə r / (procedures ) N‑VAR A procedure is a way of doing something, especially the usual or correct way. □ A biopsy is usually a minor surgical procedure. □ Police insist that he did not follow the correct procedure in applying for a visa. SYNONYMS procedure NOUN 1
method: …new teaching methods.
process: They decided to spread the building process over three years.
system: The present system of funding for higher education is unsatisfactory.
routine: He checked up on you as a matter of routine.
pro|ceed ◆◇◇ (proceeds , proceeding , proceeded ) The verb is pronounced /prəsiː d/. The plural noun in meaning 5 is pronounced /proʊ siːdz/. 1 VERB If you proceed to do something, you do it, often after doing something else first. □ [V to-inf] He proceeded to tell me of my birth.
2 VERB If you proceed with a course of action, you continue with it. [FORMAL ] □ [V + with ] The group proceeded with a march they knew would lead to bloodshed. □ [V ] The trial has been delayed until November because the defence is not ready to proceed.
3 VERB If an activity, process, or event proceeds , it goes on and does not stop. □ [V ] The ideas were not new. Their development had proceeded steadily since the war.
4 VERB If you proceed in a particular direction, you go in that direction. [FORMAL ] □ [V prep/adv] She climbed the steps and proceeded along the upstairs hallway. □ [V ] The freighter was allowed to proceed after satisfying them that it was not breaking sanctions.
5 N‑PLURAL The proceeds of an event or activity are the money that has been obtained from it. SYNONYMS proceed VERB 2
continue: There is no reason why you should not continue with any sport or activity you already enjoy.
go on: I'm all right here. Go on with your work.
carry on: Do you mind if I ask a few questions please?'—'Carry on.'
pro|ceed|ing /prəsiː d I ŋ/ (proceedings )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Legal proceedings are legal action taken against someone. [FORMAL ] □ [+ against ] …criminal proceedings against the former prime minister. □ The Council had brought proceedings to stop the store from trading on Sundays.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The proceedings are an organized series of events that take place in a particular place. [FORMAL ] □ The proceedings of the enquiry will take place in private.
3 N‑PLURAL You can refer to a written record of the discussions at a meeting or conference as the proceedings . □ The Department of Transport is to publish the conference proceedings.
pro|cess ◆◆◆ /proʊ ses, [AM ] prɑː ses/ (processes , processing , processed )
1 N‑COUNT A process is a series of actions which are carried out in order to achieve a particular result. □ There was total agreement to start the peace process as soon as possible. □ [+ of ] The best way to proceed is by a process of elimination.
2 N‑COUNT A process is a series of things which happen naturally and result in a biological or chemical change. □ It occurs in elderly men, apparently as part of the ageing process.
3 VERB When raw materials or foods are processed , they are prepared in factories before they are used or sold. □ [be V -ed] …fish which are processed by freezing, canning or smoking. □ [be V -ed + into ] The material will be processed into plastic pellets. □ [V -ed] …diets high in refined and processed foods. [Also V n] ● N‑COUNT Process is also a noun. □ …the cost of re-engineering the production process. ● pro|cess|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ America sent cotton to England for processing.