vor|gehen
Translation
to proceed, to act, to take action, to go first
Examples
Wir müssen planmäßig vorgehen.
We must proceed according to plan.
Die Polizei geht gegen die Täter vor.
The police are taking action against the perpetrators.
Was ist hier vorgegangen?
What happened here?
Meine Uhr geht vor.
My watch is fast.
Grammar Patterns
((against sb./sth.)) to take action against sb./sth. The police are taking action against the demonstrators.
((adverbial)) to proceed (in a certain way) We must proceed cautiously.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to act, to operate; Antonyms: to wait, to hesitate
Etymology
From the prefix `vor-` (before, forward) + `gehen` (to go). Literally 'to go forward'.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone 'going before' (vor-gehen) others to lead the way or to take the first step in an action.