propose
Americanverb (used with object)
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to offer or suggest (a matter, subject, case, etc.) for consideration, acceptance, or action.
to propose a new method.
- Antonyms:
- withdraw
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to offer (a toast).
-
to suggest.
He proposed that a messenger be sent.
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to present or nominate (a person) for some position, office, membership, etc.
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to put before oneself as something to be done; design; intend.
-
to present to the mind or attention; state.
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to propound (a question, riddle, etc.).
verb (used without object)
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to make an offer or suggestion, especially of marriage.
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to form or consider a purpose or design.
verb
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(when tr, may take a clause as object) to put forward (a plan, motion, etc) for consideration or action
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(tr) to nominate, as for a position
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(tr) to plan or intend (to do something)
I propose to leave town now
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(tr) to announce the drinking of (a toast) to (the health of someone, etc)
-
to make an offer of marriage (to someone)
Related Words
See intend.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of propose
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French proposer ( see pro- 1, pose 1), by association with derivatives of Latin prōpositus, past participle of prōpōnere “to set forth;” See propositus
Explanation
The verb propose means "to suggest a plan," like the most well-known thing to propose: marriage. If you propose to your girlfriend, you propose getting married, and you probably give her a ring, too. The word propose comes from the Old French root words pro, meaning "forth" and poser, meaning "put, place." Using propose to refer to an offer of marriage was first recorded in the 1700s but the verb also has other meanings. It can mean to present for consideration or criticism, like proposing a four-day school week or "to nominate someone for an elected office or official post."
Vocabulary lists containing propose
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 5
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Propose a weekly schedule that allows space for each of you to get some personal time to do things unrelated to caring for the baby or paying bills.
From Slate • Oct. 30, 2020
Propose elimination of a school, county agency or local governmental position, and you’ll hear an uproar, with good reason.
From Washington Times • Jan. 22, 2018
This week: Propose one or more funny new names for groups of things, as in the examples above.
From Washington Post • Jun. 2, 2016
So here is a bold idea for a national candidate: Propose a national land value tax.
From Forbes • Mar. 5, 2015
Propose a theory to explain one of these eternal mysteries: Mona Lisa’s smile, crop circles, or Velveeta.
From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
