proposal

American  

[pruh-poh-zuhl] / prəˈpoʊ zəl /

noun

1. the act of offering or suggesting something for acceptance, adoption, or performance.

   Synonyms:

   recommendation

2. a plan or scheme proposed.

   Synonyms:

   design, suggestion

3. an offer or suggestion of marriage.

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proposal British  

/ prəˈpəʊzəl /

noun

1. the act of proposing

2. something proposed, as a plan

3. an offer, esp of marriage

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Related Words

Proposal, overture, proposition refer to something in the nature of an offer. A proposal is a plan, a scheme, an offer to be accepted or rejected: to make proposals for peace. An overture is a friendly approach, an opening move (perhaps involving a proposal) tentatively looking toward the settlement of a controversy or else preparing the way for a proposal or the like: to make overtures to an enemy. Proposition, used in mathematics to refer to a formal statement of truth, and often including the proof or demonstration of the statement, has something of this same meaning when used nontechnically (particularly in business). A proposition is a proposal in which the terms are clearly stated and their advantageous nature emphasized: His proposition involved a large discount to the retailer.

Other Word Forms

• misproposal noun

Etymology

Origin of proposal

First recorded in 1645–55; propose + -al ²

Example Sentences

There is no formal owners’ proposal on the table, so there is nothing for Walter to approve or reject.

From Los Angeles Times

Many proposals for a smaller Fed balance sheet revolve around regulatory reforms that could encourage banks to reduce the quantity of reserves they want to hold.

From The Wall Street Journal

Prices eased on optimism around Wednesday’s 15-point U.S. proposal to Iran for ending the war.

From MarketWatch

Pakistan said the U.S. and Iran were engaged in indirect talks through messages it was relaying, and that Tehran was considering Washington’s proposals.

From The Wall Street Journal

Analysts said the proposal, aimed to reduce fraud and language barriers, could drive companies toward automation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bid
• idea
• motion
• offer
• outline
• overture
• plan
• program
• project
• proposition
• recommendation
• scheme