propose

[ pruh-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, pro·posed, pro·pos·ing.

1. to offer or suggest (a matter, subject, case, etc.) for consideration, acceptance, or action:

   to propose a new method.

   Synonyms: counsel, suggest, tender, offer, proffer

   Antonyms: withdraw

2. to offer (a toast).
3. to suggest:

   He proposed that a messenger be sent.

4. to present or nominate (a person) for some position, office, membership, etc.

   Synonyms: nominate, name

5. to put before oneself as something to be done; design; intend.

   Synonyms: plan, aim

6. to present to the mind or attention; state.

   Synonyms: posit, pose

7. to propound (a question, riddle, etc.).

verb (used without object)

, pro·posed, pro·pos·ing.

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

propose

/ prəˈpəʊz /

verb

1. when tr, may take a clause as object to put forward (a plan, motion, etc) for consideration or action
2. tr to nominate, as for a position
3. tr to plan or intend (to do something)

   I propose to leave town now

4. tr to announce the drinking of (a toast) to (the health of someone, etc)
5. introften foll byto to make an offer of marriage (to someone)

Derived Forms

• proˈposable, adjective
• proˈposer, noun

Other Words From

• pro·pos·a·ble adjective
• pro·pos·er noun
• mis·pro·pose verb misproposed misproposing
• re·pro·pose verb reproposed reproposing
• un·pro·pos·a·ble adjective
• un·pro·pos·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propose¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of propose¹

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

Synonym Study

See intend.

Example Sentences

If implemented at the higher end, the tariffs now proposed by Trump would cost the average U.S. household over $2,600 per year, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

From Salon

As now written, the proposed Citywide Housing Incentive program would enable developers to build more than currently allowed in commercial zones and in residential neighborhoods where apartment buildings are already allowed.

From Los Angeles Times

However, Chairwoman Stabenow’s proposed Farm Bill text has already faced sharp criticism from Republican legislators, many of whom argue the bill should put more “farm back in the Farm Bill.”

From Salon

The housing department has proposed increasing the minimum amount of time tenants have to live in their social home before buying them from the current three years.

From BBC

The proposed approach would still use deuterium and tritium, which are generally accepted as the most promising pair of fuels for fusion energy production.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• ask
• come up with
• introduce
• nominate
• offer
• recommend
• request
• submit
• urge