propose

American  

[pruh-pohz] / prəˈpoʊz /

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.).

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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 British  

/ 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)

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Related Words

See intend.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of propose

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

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."

Example Sentences

After spending a month-plus straight together, he went home for Christmas and asked his grandmother for a ring, which he used to propose.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Should Musk eventually propose a deal between Tesla and SpaceX, Columbia Law Professor Dorothy Lund says it would likely face antitrust scrutiny.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

The Trump administration’s fiscal year 2027 budget request is expected to propose $1.5 trillion for defense.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

To move the field forward, the authors propose a detailed roadmap for future studies.

From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026

“And where do you propose we put him for tonight? We’re already past capacity.”

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Related Words

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