propose

[pruh-pohz]

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.).

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

/ 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)

Other Word Forms

• proposable adjective
• proposer noun
• mispropose verb
• repropose verb
• unproposable adjective
• unproposing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propose¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French proposer ( pro- ¹, pose ¹ ), by association with derivatives of Latin prōpositus, past participle of prōpōnere “to set forth;” See propositus

Word History and Origins

Origin of propose¹

C14: from Old French proposer, from Latin prōpōnere to display, from _pro- ¹ + pōnere to place

Synonym Study

See intend.

Example Sentences

Anthony Allman, executive director of Vets Advisory, a nonprofit created to monitor the the 2011 settlement, proposed a VA collaboration with the community colleges to build housing for the veterans attending them.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, amid proposed cuts to school transport services in Caerphilly, inspectors found a walking route to a school was considered "unsafe".

From BBC

The intention of the proposed measure is to hew as closely to the county regulations as possible, including provisions that provide flexibility to small landlords, Blumenfield said.

From Los Angeles Times

In a three-page appeal filed Wednesday evening, they proposed the court decide by next Wednesday to grant review and to hear arguments in early November.

From Los Angeles Times

Once again, what Republicans are proposing is so odious that Democrats cannot be seen to have voted for it, lest their own voters turn on them.

From Salon

Related Words

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