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

Previous research has suggested that many of the Milky Way's phosphorus atoms may have originated from these stellar explosions.

Read more on Science Daily

Although more research is needed, the findings suggest a future where choosing an antidepressant might no longer depend on trial and error.

Read more on Science Daily

I suggest picking the app you like best—ideally the cycle tracker you already use—because, for best results, you need to log symptoms regularly.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For many primary voters, Cook suggested, ideology and purity testing will yield to a more cold-eyed and pragmatic calculation: a candidate’s perceived electability.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the middle of my exhaustion, my spouse, who has dual Italian-American citizenship, suggested something radical.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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