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 ( see 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

A spokesperson told AFP the commission would communicate in the coming weeks whether it would propose such a prohibition.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

The official told Reuters that the memo does not suggest that the US could withdraw from the alliance, nor does it propose closing bases in Europe.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Twenty MPs are drawn at random, who then get a chance to propose a bill, with those drawn last given priority for debate.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

This unusual feature led researcher Stijn van den Hoven to propose in 2019 that a second entrance might exist at this location.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

If, therefore, by accident I propose something which is not contemptible, you have every right to claim it for yourself.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

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