propose

[pruh-pohz]

verb (used with object)

proposed, proposing 

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)

proposed, proposing 

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. to make an offer of marriage (to someone)

Other Word Forms

• proposable adjective
• proposer noun
• mispropose verb
• repropose verb
• unproposable adjective
• unproposing 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

The Pentagon has proposed restricting civilian air traffic above much of the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area to expand and support training exercises.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, I propose a few different ways of thinking about conversations with people whose views differ from your own.

From Salon

The proposed changes have been widely welcomed by renters including Natasha Johnson, who was evicted through the Section 21 clause in 2020 and says it was "traumatic".

From BBC

The manufacturers’ gratuitous lawsuit comes alongside a proposed rollback of the Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas standards and a surprise Federal Trade Commission move to condemn the partnership.

From Los Angeles Times

The BBC understands that a proposed deal to eliminate tariffs on UK steel exports to the US has been put on hold indefinitely.

From BBC

Related Words

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