Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense proposes, present participle proposing, past tense, past participle proposed
1. verb
If you propose something such as a plan or an idea, you suggest it for people to think about and decide upon.
Britain is about to propose changes to some institutions. [VERB noun/verb-ing]
It was George who first proposed that we dry clothes in that locker. [VERB that]
Synonyms: put forward, present, suggest, advance More Synonyms of propose
2. verb
If you proposeto do something, you intend to do it.
It's still far from clear what action the government proposes to take over the affair. [VERB to-infinitive]
And where do you propose building such a huge thing? [VERB verb-ing]
[Also VERB noun]
3. verb
If you propose a theory or an explanation, you state that it is possibly or probably true, because it fits in with the evidence that you have considered.
[formal]
This highlights a problem faced by people proposing theories of ball lightning. [VERB noun]
Newton proposed that heavenly and terrestrial motion could be unified with the ideaof gravity. [VERB that]
4. verb
If you propose a motion for debate, or a candidate for election, you begin the debate or the election procedure by formally stating your support for that motion or candidate.
She was a pioneer in proposing that women should be able to control their own fertility. [VERB noun]
I asked Robin Balfour and Derek Haig to propose and second me. [VERB noun]
If you propose a toast to someone or something, you ask people to drink a toast to them.
Usually the bride's father proposes a toast to the health of the bride and groom. [VERB noun]
6. verb
If you propose to someone, or propose marriageto them, you ask them to marry you.
He had proposed to Isabel the day after taking his seat in Parliament. [VERB + to]
More Synonyms of propose
propose in British English
(prəˈpəʊz)
verb
1. (when tr, may take a clause as object)
to put forward (a plan, motion, etc) for consideration or action
2. (transitive)
to nominate, as for a position
3. (transitive)
to plan or intend (to do something)
I propose to leave town now
4. (transitive)
to announce the drinking of (a toast) to (the health of someone, etc)
5. (intransitive; often foll byto)
to make an offer of marriage (to someone)
Derived forms
proposable (proˈposable)
adjective
proposer (proˈposer)
noun
Word origin
C14: from Old French proposer, from Latin prōpōnere to display, from pro-1 + pōnere to place
propose in American English
(prəˈpoʊz)
verb transitiveWord forms: proˈposed or proˈposing
1.
to put forth for consideration or acceptance
2.
to purpose, plan, or intend
3.
to present as a toast in drinking
4.
to nominate (someone) for membership, office, etc.
verb intransitive
5.
to make a proposal; form or declare a purpose or design
6.
to offer marriage
SIMILAR WORDS: inˈtend
Derived forms
proposer (proˈposer)
noun
Word origin
LME < OFr proposer, altered (infl. by poser: see pose1) < L proponere (pp. propositus), to set forth, display, propose: see pro-2 & position
Examples of 'propose' in a sentence
propose
He argued that the government does not understand how difficult and expensive the proposed plan would be to implement.
Computing (2010)
She is also rich and is going to London to propose marriage to a young man in her father's office.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Then during our first season we heard about a proposed bypass that was going ahead - less than 100m from our caravan.
The Sun (2016)
What is the correct procedure for proposing the loyal toast?
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
You hear a lot of horror stories about proposing and things going horribly wrong.
The Sun (2010)
How could he have proposed marriage and not meant it?
The Sun (2008)
One of them proposes a devious plan.
Jonathan Wright Ambassadors: From Ancient Greece to the Nation State (2006)
Once again plans were proposed to extend the area of arable lands and the number of cattle.
Aganbegyan, Abel Inside Perestroika: The Future of the Soviet Economy (1990)
He denied it and said he was planning to propose to me.
The Sun (2013)
He was thinking about whether to propose in bed or if he should wait until he had a ring.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
She had proposed marriage to him.
Christina Dodd SOMEDAY MY PRINCE (1999)
She claims he once proposed marriage.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The proposed tax plan is imperfect.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
If a toast is proposed at a royal banquet, she merely pretends to take a sip.
Brian Hoey AT HOME WITH THE QUEEN: The Inside Story of the Royal Household (2002)
When the millionaire proposes marriage, the lover resorts to manipulation.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
I was to propose the toast on behalf of his guests.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
I proposed a toast to his continued wellbeing.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
When the elders finished sparring, they approved the curriculum proposed in the motion and moved on to another issue.
Christianity Today (2000)
Each time one of us takes a drink, the others have to drink as well and propose a toast.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We do not see his lack of direct fund management experience as an obstacle to success in his proposed role as chairman of F&C.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In proposing the motion, a doctor did suggest that top-up fees might be one possible option.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The proposed strike motion will come into effect if there is no'significant progress' in talks with bosses.
The Sun (2014)
The biggest concern is the lack of detail about the proposed new, independent privatisation fund that eurozone leaders insisted should be part of any bailout programme.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
So much that has been said about a proposed British bill of rights since 2006 cannot be taken seriously.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The controversy was heightened by the fact that the motion was proposed by the union of prison officers, who are restricted on what action they can take.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The Tories could back a motion proposed by the Commons standards committee to delay all reforms until an independent review is published.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In other languages
propose
British English: propose /prəˈpəʊz/ VERB
If you propose a plan or idea, you suggest it.
They proposed a peace plan.
American English: propose
Arabic: يَقْتَرِح
Brazilian Portuguese: propor
Chinese: 提议
Croatian: predložiti
Czech: navrhnout
Danish: foreslå
Dutch: voorstellen
European Spanish: proponer
Finnish: ehdottaa
French: proposer
German: vorschlagen
Greek: προτείνω
Italian: proporre
Japanese: 提案する
Korean: 제안하다
Norwegian: foreslå
Polish: zaproponować
European Portuguese: propor
Romanian: a propune
Russian: предлагать
Latin American Spanish: proponer
Swedish: föreslå
Thai: เสนอ
Turkish: önermek
Ukrainian: пропонувати
Vietnamese: đề xuất
Chinese translation of 'propose'
propose
(prəˈpəuz)
vt
[plan, idea]提出 (tíchū)
[motion]提议(議) (tíyì)
vi
(= offer marriage) 求婚 (qiúhūn)
to propose to do or doing sth (= intend) 意欲做某事 (yìyù zuò mǒushì)
to propose that ... (= suggest) 建议(議) ... (jiànyì ... ) (in debate) 提出 ... (tíchū ... )
to propose a toast提议(議)干(乾)杯 (tíyì gānbēi)
1 (verb)
Definition
to put forward (a plan) for consideration
We are about to propose some changes to the system.
Synonyms
put forward
present
We presented three options to the unions for discussion.
suggest
I suggest you ask him some specific questions about his past.
advance
Many theories have been advanced as to why this is.
come up with
submit
They submitted their reports to the Chancellor yesterday.
tender
She quickly tendered her resignation.
proffer
They have not yet proffered an explanation of how the accident happened.
propound
She continues to propound her theories about the supernatural.
2 (verb)
Definition
to intend (to do something)
I propose to spend my entire life travelling.
Synonyms
intend
She intends to do A levels and go to university.
mean
I didn't mean to hurt you.
plan
They plan to move house next year.
aim
I didn't aim to get caught.
design
a compromise designed to please everyone
scheme
purpose
His life went in the direction that he purposed.
have in mind
have every intention
3 (verb)
Definition
to nominate (someone) for a position
He was proposed for renomination as party chairman.
Synonyms
nominate
The public will be able to nominate candidates for the awards.
name
The Scots have yet to name their team.
present
She presents a weekly TV fashion programme.
introduce
She does not abandon her responsibility to introduce new ideas.
invite
recommend
I recommend that you consult your doctor.
put up
4 (verb)
Definition
to make an offer of marriage
Merton proposed on bended knee.
Synonyms
offer marriage
pop the question (informal)
He got serious quickly and popped the question six months later.
ask for someone's hand (in marriage)
pay suit
Additional synonyms
in the sense of advance
Definition
to present an idea for consideration
Many theories have been advanced as to why this is.
Synonyms
suggest,
offer,
present,
propose,
allege,
cite,
advocate,
submit,
prescribe,
put forward,
proffer,
adduce,
offer as a suggestion
in the sense of aim
Definition
to propose or intend
I didn't aim to get caught.
Synonyms
mean,
attempt,
propose,
intend,
resolve,
purpose
in the sense of design
Definition
to intend (something) for a specific purpose
a compromise designed to please everyone
Synonyms
intend,
mean,
plan,
aim,
purpose,
adjust,
adapt,
tailor,
contrive,
destine
Synonyms of 'propose'
propose
Explore 'propose' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of introduce
Definition
to present for consideration or approval
She does not abandon her responsibility to introduce new ideas.
Synonyms
suggest,
offer,
air,
table (British),
advance,
propose,
recommend,
float,
submit,
bring up,
put forward,
set forth,
ventilate,
broach,
moot
in the sense of mean
Definition
to intend
I didn't mean to hurt you.
Synonyms
intend,
want,
plan,
expect,
design,
aim,
wish,
think,
propose,
purpose,
desire,
set out,
contemplate,
aspire,
have plans,
have in mind
in the sense of name
Definition
to appoint
The Scots have yet to name their team.
Synonyms
nominate,
choose,
commission,
mention,
identify,
select,
appoint,
specify,
designate
in the sense of plan
Definition
to intend
They plan to move house next year.
Synonyms
intend,
aim,
mean,
propose,
purpose,
contemplate,
envisage,
foresee
in the sense of pop the question
He got serious quickly and popped the question six months later.
Synonyms
propose,
offer marriage
in the sense of present
Definition
to put forward or submit
We presented three options to the unions for discussion.
Synonyms
put forward,
offer,
suggest,
raise,
state,
produce,
introduce,
advance,
relate,
declare,
extend,
pose,
submit,
tender,
hold out,
recount,
expound,
proffer,
adduce
in the sense of present
Definition
to introduce and compere (a radio or television show)
She presents a weekly TV fashion programme.
Synonyms
host,
introduce,
announce,
anchor,
compère,
be the presenter of
in the sense of proffer
They have not yet proffered an explanation of how the accident happened.
Synonyms
suggest,
propose,
volunteer,
submit,
tender,
propound
in the sense of propound
Definition
to put forward for consideration
She continues to propound her theories about the supernatural.
Synonyms
put forward,
present,
advance,
propose,
advocate,
submit,
suggest,
lay down,
contend,
postulate (formal),
set forth
in the sense of purpose
Definition
to intend or determine to do (something)
His life went in the direction that he purposed.
Synonyms
intend,
mean,
plan,
decide,
design,
aim,
determine,
propose,
resolve,
think to,
contemplate,
aspire,
work towards,
meditate,
make up your mind,
commit yourself,
have a mind to,
set your sights on
Additional synonyms
in the sense of recommend
Definition
to advise as the best course or choice
I recommend that you consult your doctor.
Synonyms
advise,
suggest,
advance,
propose,
urge,
counsel,
advocate,
prescribe,
put forward,
exhort (formal),
enjoin
in the sense of scheme
Synonyms
plan,
design,
project,
imagine,
frame,
work out,
devise,
contrive,
lay plans
in the sense of submit
Definition
to send (an application or proposal) to someone for judgment or consideration
They submitted their reports to the Chancellor yesterday.
Synonyms
present,
hand in,
tender,
put forward,
table (British),
commit,
refer,
proffer
in the sense of suggest
Definition
to put forward (a plan or an idea) for consideration
I suggest you ask him some specific questions about his past.