propose
UK /pɹəˈpəʊz/ · US /pɹəˈpoʊz/ verb, noun
Forms proposes proposing proposed
- verb (transitive) To suggest a plan, course of action, etc. “I propose going to see a film.”
- verb (intransitive, sometimes followed by to) To ask for a person's hand in marriage. “He proposed to her last night and she accepted him.”
- verb (transitive) To intend. “He proposes to set up his own business.”
- verb (obsolete) To talk; to converse.
- verb (obsolete) To set forth.
- noun (obsolete) An objective or aim.
Synonyms
put forth suggest project forthput advise aim purpose purport nominate declare oneself offer pop the question
Etymology
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.
Webster’s 1913
- verb To set forth. [Obs.]
- verb To offer for consideration, discussion, acceptance, or adoption; as, to propose terms of peace; to propose a question for discussion; to propose an alliance; to propose a person for office.
- verb To speak; to converse. [Obs.]
- verb To form or declare a purpose or intention; to lay a scheme; to design; as, man proposes, but God disposes.
Etymology [F. proposer; pref. pro- (L. pro for, forward) + poser to place. See Pose, v.]
Etymology [F. propos, L. propositum. See Propound, Purpose, n.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “propose”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details