propose

[ pruh-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, pro·posed, pro·pos·ing.

1. to offer or suggest (a matter, subject, case, etc.) for consideration, acceptance, or action:

   to propose a new method.

   Synonyms: counsel, suggest, tender, offer, proffer

   Antonyms: withdraw

2. to offer (a toast).
3. to suggest:

   He proposed that a messenger be sent.

4. to present or nominate (a person) for some position, office, membership, etc.

   Synonyms: nominate, name

5. to put before oneself as something to be done; design; intend.

   Synonyms: plan, aim

6. to present to the mind or attention; state.

   Synonyms: posit, pose

7. to propound (a question, riddle, etc.).

verb (used without object)

, pro·posed, pro·pos·ing.

1. to make an offer or suggestion, especially of marriage.
2. to form or consider a purpose or design.

propose

/ prəˈpəʊz /

verb

1. when tr, may take a clause as object to put forward (a plan, motion, etc) for consideration or action
2. tr to nominate, as for a position
3. tr to plan or intend (to do something)

   I propose to leave town now

4. tr to announce the drinking of (a toast) to (the health of someone, etc)
5. introften foll byto to make an offer of marriage (to someone)

Derived Forms

• proˈposable, adjective
• proˈposer, noun

Other Words From

• pro·pos·a·ble adjective
• pro·pos·er noun
• mis·pro·pose verb misproposed misproposing
• re·pro·pose verb reproposed reproposing
• un·pro·pos·a·ble adjective
• un·pro·pos·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propose¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French proposer ( pro- ¹, pose ¹ ), by association with derivatives of Latin prōpositus, past participle of prōpōnere “to set forth;” See propositus

Word History and Origins

Origin of propose¹

C14: from Old French proposer, from Latin prōpōnere to display, from pro- ¹+ pōnere to place

Synonym Study

See intend.

Example Sentences

In the Senate Republicans’ $650 billion relief legislation, a proposed $16 billion was allocated for testing and tracing.

From Fortune

I propose we call our new epoch the “Heliocene,” meaning “new sun.”

From Nautilus

The proposed deal’s structure is already shaped by Beijing’s refusal to allow the US alone to determine TikTok’s fate.

From Quartz

In a statement, Oracle provided few details about the proposed TikTok partnership.

From Fortune

On Thursday, the Republican-proposed $500 billion stimulus package failed to get enough votes to advance in the chamber.

From Fortune

I told them the story about how Delta helped her propose to me in the middle of the international terminal here at Delta.

From The Daily Beast

They met in 2009, before Dewani rented a private jet and flew her to Paris to propose.

From The Daily Beast

Other models, such as string theory, propose more dimensions, but those are coiled up too small to be seen.

From The Daily Beast

This leads some to propose that the American middle and working classes has become economically passé.

From The Daily Beast

May I propose the Dutch, who were among the original bidders for 2018.

From The Daily Beast

Instead of writing slander and flat blasphemy, they propose to draw it, and not draw it mild.

From Project Gutenberg

Now the practice of Interrogative Analysis compels such persons to interrogate—to propose questions—to think.

From Project Gutenberg

"That means he intends to propose again," said Mrs. Kaye, in her carefully modulated voice.

From Project Gutenberg

With the sum thus realized, I say, you propose to make good the losses which the bank has suffered by your improvidence?

From Project Gutenberg

Strictly speaking, I don't think anybody ought to propose with a niblick in his hand.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ask
• come up with
• introduce
• nominate
• offer
• recommend
• request
• submit
• urge