propound

American  

[pruh-pound] / prəˈpaʊnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to put forward or offer for consideration, acceptance, or adoption; set forth; propose.

   to propound a theory.

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propound British  

/ prəˈpaʊnd /

verb

1. to suggest or put forward for consideration

2. English law

   1. to produce (a will or similar instrument) to the proper court or authority in order for its validity to be established

   2. (of an executor) to bring (an action to obtain probate) in solemn form

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Other Word Forms

• propounder noun
• unpropounded adjective

Etymology

Origin of propound

1545–55; later variant of Middle English propone ( propone ) < Latin prōpōnere to set forth, equivalent to prō- pro- ¹ + pōnere to put, place, set. See compound ¹, expound

Example Sentences

"And no matter what you may think, Mr. Kennedy. And I revere your name. You're not here to propound your case for censorship," Connolly said.

From Salon • Jul. 20, 2023

But the plays don’t hector or propound moral lessons.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2022

“We can’t wait to propound searing questions about the finances of these individuals and these groups.”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 14, 2021

Leaders like FDR, JFK, Wałęsa, and Nehru demonstrated that democrats can propound powerful liberal-national narratives.

From Slate • Jul. 3, 2020

I was not free from apprehension that he would come back to propound through the gate, “And sixteen?”

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

Related Words

• broach
• proffer
• set forth