suggestion

[suhg-jes-chuhn, suh-]

noun

1. the act of suggesting.

2. the state of being suggested.

3. something suggested, as a piece of advice.

   We made the suggestion that she resign.

4. a slight trace.

   He speaks with a suggestion of a foreign accent.

5. the calling up in the mind of one idea by another by virtue of some association or of some natural connection between the ideas.

6. the idea thus called up.

7. Psychology.

   1. the process of inducing a thought, sensation, or action in a receptive person without using persuasion and without giving rise to reflection in the recipient.

   2. the thought, sensation, or action induced in this way.

suggestion

/ səˈdʒɛstʃən /

noun

1. something that is suggested

2. a hint or indication

   a suggestion of the odour of violets

3. psychol the process whereby the mere presentation of an idea to a receptive individual leads to the acceptance of that idea See also autosuggestion

Other Word Forms

• countersuggestion noun
• nonsuggestion noun
• presuggestion noun
• self-suggestion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of suggestion¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English suggestio(u)n “incitement to evil,” from Medieval Latin suggestiōn-, stem of suggestiō, Latin: “addition, hint”; equivalent to suggest + -ion

Synonym Study

See advice.

Example Sentences

Among their suggestions for stock selection were “GARP plays,” with the acronym standing for growth at a reasonable price.

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He said any suggestion having a DNA test carried out would have ceased their stalking was "a nonsense".

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If you do the same with siblings, don’t be surprised if they make quiet suggestions to your parents about who deserves what.

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The Supreme Court held that the Fifth Amendment empowers local governments to seize private property and pass it on to private developers if the suggestion of eventual public benefit is alleged.

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Remember to be specific with your comments, offering a mix of positive notes along with your suggestions for improvement.

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Related Words

• approach 
• charge 
• idea 
• instruction 
• invitation 
• motion 
• opinion 
• proposal 
• proposition 
• recommendation 
• resolution 
• tip 

When To Use

What does suggestion mean?

A suggestion is a proposal, piece of advice, or idea for consideration.

Suggestion is the noun form the verb suggest. Suggestion is often used with the verbs offer and make, as in the common question, Can I make a suggestion? 

In psychology, suggestion has a more specific meaning: the process in which the mere presentation of an idea to a receptive person leads to the acceptance of that idea.

Example: After explaining his new business plan, Tom told his colleagues that he was open to suggestions and other feedback.