propound

[ pruh-pound ]

verb (used with object)

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

   to propound a theory.

propound

/ 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

Derived Forms

• proˈpounder, noun

Other Words From

• pro·pounder noun
• unpro·pounded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propound¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of propound¹

C16 propone, from Latin prōpōnere to set forth, from pro- ¹+ pōnere to place

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

But they know their audience, and probably believe that it’s good business to propound racist conspiracy theories even if they make no logical sense.

From Seattle Times

In a new court filing, New York AG senior enforcement counsel Kevin Wallace writes that Trump's response to James' civil complaint is "deficient in a host of ways" and he asserts that the defendants "falsely deny facts they have admitted in other proceedings, they deny knowledge sufficient to respond to factual allegations that are plainly within their knowledge, and they propound affirmative defenses that have been repeatedly rejected by this Court as frivolous and without merit."

From Salon

His paintings neglect to propound a narrative, a concept or a political message, embodying an approach that’s also not very popular right now, when artwork is often reduced to a “message-delivery system,” as the poet and essayist Alice Gribbin has written, rather than viewed as the site of a mysterious aesthetic encounter between artist and audience.

From New York Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• broach
• proffer
• set forth