proposal

[pruh-poh-zuhl]

noun

1. the act of offering or suggesting something for acceptance, adoption, or performance.

   Synonyms: recommendation

2. a plan or scheme proposed.

   Synonyms: design, suggestion

3. an offer or suggestion of marriage.

proposal

/ prəˈpəʊzəl /

noun

1. the act of proposing

2. something proposed, as a plan

3. an offer, esp of marriage

Other Word Forms

• misproposal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of proposal¹

First recorded in 1645–55; propose + -al ²

Synonym Study

Proposal, overture, proposition refer to something in the nature of an offer. A proposal is a plan, a scheme, an offer to be accepted or rejected: to make proposals for peace. An overture is a friendly approach, an opening move (perhaps involving a proposal) tentatively looking toward the settlement of a controversy or else preparing the way for a proposal or the like: to make overtures to an enemy. Proposition, used in mathematics to refer to a formal statement of truth, and often including the proof or demonstration of the statement, has something of this same meaning when used nontechnically (particularly in business). A proposition is a proposal in which the terms are clearly stated and their advantageous nature emphasized: His proposition involved a large discount to the retailer.

Example Sentences

Labour's record after 26 years in power as well as proposals put forward by the other parties including Reform and the Liberal Democrats will come under intense scrutiny.

From BBC

Both proposals — the expansion and the less expensive package of repairs and upgrades — are set to go before the full City Council on Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

Recently, base officials said that the proposal would restrict the airspace for only up to 60 days per year.

From Los Angeles Times

The proposal is that by relaxing tariffs on Scotch whisky he would not only ease a burden on Scotland's national drink but also boost demand in Scotland for used bourbon casks from Kentucky.

From BBC

But leaders have offered minimal public details on how they will respond to the government’s August settlement proposal.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bid 
• idea 
• motion 
• offer 
• outline 
• overture 
• plan 
• program 
• project 
• proposition 
• recommendation 
• scheme