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

Akimoto laughed off the suggestion, but expressed frustration about technology's ability to mine data and find the "maximum common denominator".

From BBC

There is no suggestion that anyone consumed the contaminated broth but Haidilao had offered to pay thousands of diners who dined at the restaurant in the days following the incident.

From BBC

However, there is no suggestion that hosepipe bans and water restrictions will be lifted yet.

From BBC

Dr Gault said any suggestions from the authority and minister that schools were unwilling to accommodate SEN children was "profoundly insulting".

From BBC

Kilmeade admitted his wording was wrong and expressed regret for linking mental illness and homelessness to suggestions of violence.

From Salon

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.