propose

verb

pro·​pose prə-ˈpōz 

proposed; proposing

intransitive verb

1

: to form or put forward a plan or intention

man proposes, but God disposes

2

obsolete : to engage in talk or discussion

3

: to make an offer of marriage

transitive verb

1

a

: to set before the mind (as for discussion, imitation, or action)

propose a plan for settling the dispute

b

: to set before someone and especially oneself as an aim or intent

proposed to spend the summer in Italy

2

a

: to set forth for acceptance or rejection

propose terms for peace

propose a topic for debate

b

: to recommend to fill a place or vacancy : nominate

propose them for membership

c

: to offer as a toast

propose the happiness of the couple

proposer noun

Synonyms

• advance
• bounce
• offer
• pose
• proffer
• propound
• suggest
• vote

Examples of propose in a Sentence

The scientists proposed a new theory.

The mayor proposed a plan for a new bridge.

Several senators have proposed raising the tax.

I propose that we revise the bylaws.

They propose to buy a new house.

How do you propose solving this problem?

The chairman proposed the young executive as a candidate for promotion.

Recent Examples on the Web

The two dated for a year before Jared proposed and they wed in 2010. —Stephanie Sengwe, Peoplemag, 23 Apr. 2024

See also: Developers propose 576 homes in Orange, some at the mall, others by hospital Under long-standing state housing laws, Orange’s new housing plan must include a list of sites where 3,936 new homes can be built by the end of the decade. —Jeff Collins, Orange County Register, 23 Apr. 2024

Last summer, the Labor Department proposed lifting the salary threshold for exempt employees to about $55,000 but updated the benchmark in the final rule after receiving more than 33,000 public comments. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024

After signing a new treaty with Rwanda to beef up protections for migrants, the government proposed the new legislation declaring Rwanda to be a safe country. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024

And senators have proposed at least nine bills aimed at curbing overdose deaths, particularly from the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl. —Don Thompson, Sacramento Bee, 22 Apr. 2024

Last year, the city council proposed $17 million for both recycling carts and trash carts. —Kynala Phillips, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2024

Read Next South Carolina Lottery player wins life-changing prize — then proposes to girlfriend. —Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2024

Indeed, both sides of the political divide have been increasingly discussing and even proposing solutions to this existential threat, albeit from alternate angles. —TIME, 22 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French purposer, proposer, from Latin proponere (perfect indicative proposui) — more at propound

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing propose

• propose a toast
• propose marriage

Kids Definition

propose

verb

pro·​pose prə-ˈpōz 

proposed; proposing

1

: to make a suggestion to be thought over and talked about : suggest

propose a new theory

2

: to make plans : intend

propose to buy a new house

3

: to suggest for filling a place or office

propose someone for membership

4

: to make an offer of marriage

proposer noun