propose
/prəˈpəʊz
/verb
1 [with object] Put forward (a plan or suggestion) for consideration by others: he proposed a new nine-point peace plan [with clause]: I proposed that the government should retain a 51 per cent stake in the company...
- The conference voted for complete opposition to the Lyons report, which first proposed these plans.
- Public sector workers also need to actively recruit to their unions by explaining what the plans mean and by proposing a strategy for fighting them.
- In what follows I try to analyze what gave rise to this choice for the public, and propose a plan for moving on.
Synonyms
put forward, suggest, advance, offer, present, move, submit, prefer, file, lodge, table, initiate, bring, bring forward, come up with, tender, bid, project, recommend, advocate, propound, proffer, posit
1.1Nominate (someone) for an elected office or as a member of a society: Roy Thomson was proposed as chairman...
- I was elected, after somebody proposed me, so they wanted me.
- I assume you did not propose me for this office so that I, too, should lie to you.
- After he retired in 1992, he asked a friend to propose him as a member.
Synonyms
nominate, put forward, put up, name, suggest, submit, present, recommend
1.2Put forward (a motion) to a legislature or committee: the government put its slim majority to the test by proposing a vote of confidence...
- He would not be able to live down the embarrassment in the event of someone telephoning him, as it was he who proposed the motion at committee to ban mobiles.
- She will propose a motion requesting the council adjourn it until May 21.
- At last week's Carlow town council meeting a resident of Grave Lane requested that the council propose a motion to change the name to Park Lane.
1.3 [with infinitive] Intend to do something: he proposed to attend the meeting...
- As we have previously pointed out, we are not proposing to attend the hearing of your Application.
Synonyms
intend, have the intention, mean, plan, have plans, set out, have in mind/view, resolve, be resolved, aim, purpose, contemplate, think of, aspire, desire, want, wish, expect
2 [no object] Make an offer of marriage to someone: I have already proposed to Sarah [with object]: one girl proposed marriage to him on the spot...
- That silly southern girl's name hadn't been mentioned since Daniel had proposed to Elizabeth.
- In May he proposed to Maria, who declined him marriage but wished him the best.
- There he proposed marriage, was refused, and next proposed to Iseult, who gave no definite answer.
Synonyms
ask someone to marry you, make an offer of marriage, offer marriage, ask for someone's hand in marriage
informal pop the question
Phrases
propose a toast (or propose someone's health)
Derivatives
proposer
/ noun the proposer has ten minutes to speak in favour of his Bill...
- Indeed some of the proposers of these changes don't seem to have a grasp of the implications.
- Had proposers of boundary schemes been given such latitude, proposals would have been far different and, with such scope for variation, all our communities could have been accommodated without division.
- The proposers say it is odd that there is no disqualification of those who might have lengthy criminal records but severe restrictions on those who have played the game and might have a positive contribution to make.
Origin
Middle English: from Old French proposer, from Latin proponere (see proponent), but influenced by Latin propositus 'put or set forth' and Old French poser 'to place'.