propose

[ pruh-pohz ]

See synonyms for propose on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),pro·posed, pro·pos·ing.

to offer or suggest (a matter, subject, case, etc.) for consideration, acceptance, or action: to propose a new method.
to offer (a toast).

to suggest: He proposed that a messenger be sent.
to present or nominate (a person) for some position, office, membership, etc.
to put before oneself as something to be done; design; intend.
to present to the mind or attention; state.
to propound (a question, riddle, etc.).

verb (used without object),pro·posed, pro·pos·ing.

to make an offer or suggestion, especially of marriage.
to form or consider a purpose or design.

Origin of propose

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French proposer (see pro-¹, pose¹), by association with derivatives of Latin prōpositus, past participle of prōpōnere “to set forth;” See propositus

synonym study For propose

5. See intend.

Other words for propose

1	proffer, offer, tender, suggest; counsel
4	name, nominate
5	aim, plan
6	pose; posit

See synonyms for propose on Thesaurus.com

Opposites for propose

withdraw

See antonyms for propose on Thesaurus.com

Other words from propose

pro·pos·a·ble, adjective
pro·pos·er, noun
mis·pro·pose, verb, mis·pro·posed, mis·pro·pos·ing.
re·pro·pose, verb, re·pro·posed, re·pro·pos·ing.
un·pro·pos·a·ble, adjective
un·pro·pos·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use propose in a sentence

A new law on the table in Denmark proposes to make sex with animals, known as zoophilia, illegal.
Denmark’s Bestiality Problem: It’s Legal | Barbie Latza Nadeau | October 14, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Petro Poroshenko proposes a utopian solution to the problem.
Putin's 'Peace' In Ukraine | Anna Nemtsova | September 5, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Morris thinks this question is an empirical one, and his new book proposes an answer that he finds astonishing.
War! What Is It Good For? A Lot | Nick Romeo | August 13, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Update: Bob Geldof proposes to long-term girlfriend, and is 'determined something positive' will come out of recent tragedy.
Peaches Geldof Died Of Heroin Overdose | Tom Sykes | May 1, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
This is precisely what a new book by Fordham University theology professor George Demacopoulos proposes.
Who Really Put the Pope in Charge? | Candida Moss | April 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

He further proposes to use it in the form of a solid cardboard as a roofing material for light structures.
Asbestos | Robert H. Jones
Koch proposes to omit maner, and read—'No counseyl, but at hir loke.'
Chaucer's Works, Volume 1 (of 7) -- Romaunt of the Rose; Minor Poems | Geoffrey Chaucer
All religion is visibly founded upon the principle that "God proposes and man disposes."
Superstition In All Ages (1732) | Jean Meslier
She has commissioned me to write the poem, and she graciously proposes to allow you to perform it with your puppets.
Fifty Contemporary One-Act Plays | Various
Young lady proposes to tell me my fortune for a penny, with a revolving card.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 93, September 24, 1887 | Various

British Dictionary definitions for propose

propose

/ (prəˈpəʊz) /

verb

(when tr, may take a clause as object) to put forward (a plan, motion, etc) for consideration or action
(tr) to nominate, as for a position

(tr) to plan or intend (to do something): I propose to leave town now
(tr) to announce the drinking of (a toast) to (the health of someone, etc)
(intr often foll by to) to make an offer of marriage (to someone)

Origin of propose

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

Derived forms of propose

proposable, adjective
proposer, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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