propound
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to suggest or put forward for consideration
-
English law
-
to produce (a will or similar instrument) to the proper court or authority in order for its validity to be established
-
(of an executor) to bring (an action to obtain probate) in solemn form
-
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of propound
1545–55; later variant of Middle English propone ( see propone) < Latin prōpōnere to set forth, equivalent to prō- pro- 1 + pōnere to put, place, set. See compound 1, expound
Explanation
When you propound an idea, you put it forward. If you tell your teacher that listening to music in class would help students do their work, then you propound the idea that music can be a motivator. The word propound is a little bit formal and often used in reference to something that’s weighty and serious. Beloved by academics of all types, you might hear someone propound, say, his theory of logocentrism in the works of Jacques Derrida. Don’t worry: you don’t need to understand the theory, you just need to understand that propound means he’s putting it out there.
Vocabulary lists containing propound
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Importance of Being Earnest
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Turn of the Screw
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Propound this question, and in this solemn way to the women of the United States.
From History of Woman Suffrage, Volume II by Stanton, Elizabeth Cady
Propound for me an oath that I’ll not wrong thee!
From The Love-chase by Morley, Henry
"Propound me his case," said Friar Tuck, "and I will give him ghostly counsel."
From Maid Marian by Peacock, Thomas Love
And if, as unto Solomon, God should Propound to thee, What wouldst thou have? how would Thy heart and pulse beat after heav'nly things, After the upper and the nether springs?
From Works of John Bunyan — Volume 03 by Bunyan, John
Propound your conditions, and if they be such as honour and honesty will permit me to accede to, I will do so willingly and at once.
From Varney the Vampire Or the Feast of Blood by Prest, Thomas Preskett
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.
