suggest

[suhg-jest, suh-]

verb (used with object)

1. to mention or introduce (an idea, proposition, plan, etc.) for consideration or possible action.

   The architect suggested that the building be restored.

2. to propose (a person or thing) as suitable or possible for some purpose.

   We suggested him for president.

   Synonyms: advise, recommend

3. (of things) to prompt the consideration, making, doing, etc., of.

   The glove suggests that she was at the scene of the crime.

4. to bring before a person's mind indirectly or without plain expression.

   I didn't tell him to leave, I only suggested it.

   Synonyms: imply, indicate

5. to call (something) up in the mind through association or natural connection of ideas.

   The music suggests a still night.

suggest

/ səˈdʒɛst, səɡˈdʒɛst /

verb

1. to put forward (a plan, idea, etc) for consideration

   I suggest Smith for the post

   a plan suggested itself

2. to evoke (a person, thing, etc) in the mind of someone by the association of ideas

   that painting suggests home to me

3. to give an indirect or vague hint of

   his face always suggests his peace of mind

Other Word Forms

• suggestedness noun
• suggester noun
• suggestingly adverb
• presuggest verb (used with object)
• unsuggested adjective
• unsuggesting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suggest¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin suggestus (past participle of suggerere “to build up, supply, hint, suggest”), equivalent to sug- sug- + ges- (past participle stem of gerere “to carry, do, display”) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of suggest¹

C16: from Latin suggerere to bring up, from _sub- + gerere to bring

Synonym Study

See hint.

Example Sentences

Although obesity is widely known to increase the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, this study suggests its influence on the brain may develop much earlier.

Read more on Science Daily

The new research suggests that long-term, untreated sleep apnea may contribute to a higher risk of Parkinson's.

Read more on Science Daily

But a string of spying incidents, sabotage attacks and airspace intrusion in Europe, many of them attributed to Moscow by Western intelligence, suggest it could be preparing to pounce sooner.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"The tsunami of complaints suggests that consultation was either perfunctory or they listened to the wrong people," Mr Pearson said.

Read more on BBC

In the tribunal's ruling, it said it "notes that there is no information to suggest that any patient complaints have been raised or that any patients have come to harm".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• advise 
• advocate 
• offer 
• propose 
• put 
• recommend 
• submit