Wiktionary

propose

See also: proposé

English

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Etymology

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From Middle English proposen, from Anglo-Norman proposer (verb), propos (noun), Middle French proposer (verb) , propos (noun), from Latin prōpōnō, prōpōnere, with conjugation altered based on poser. Doublet of propound.

Pronunciation

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Verb

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propose (third-person singular simple present proposes, present participle proposing, simple past and past participle proposed)

  1. (transitive) To suggest a plan, course of action, etc.
    Synonyms: put forth, suggest, (rare) forthput
    I propose going to see a film.
    to propose an alliance
    to propose a question for discussion
    • 2019, VOA Learning English (public domain)
      President Moon Jae-in proposed the plan this week during a meeting with government officials, his spokesman said.
      Audio (US):(file)
  2. (intransitive, sometimes followed by to) To ask for a person's hand in marriage.
    He proposed to her last night and she accepted him.
  3. (transitive) To intend.
    He proposes to set up his own business.
  4. (obsolete) To talk; to converse.
    • 1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “Much Adoe about Nothing”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene i]:
      HERO. Good Margaret, run thee to the parlour;
      There shalt thou find my cousin Beatrice
      Proposing with the prince and Claudio
  5. (obsolete) To set forth.

Usage notes

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  • In use 1, this is sometimes a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing).
  • In use 3, this is a catenative verb that takes the to infinitive.
  • For more information, see Appendix:English catenative verbs
  • Compared to to suggest, to propose is more deliberate and definite. To suggest is merely to mention, while to propose is to have a definite plan and intention.

Derived terms

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Translations

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Noun

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propose (plural proposes)

  1. (obsolete) An objective or aim.

Anagrams

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French

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Pronunciation

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Verb

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propose

  1. inflection of proposer:
    1. first/third-person singular present indicative/subjunctive
    2. second-person singular imperative

Anagrams

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Italian

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Verb

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propose

  1. third-person past historic of proporre

Anagrams

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