propose

play

verb pro·pose \prə-ˈpōz\

Definition of propose

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
1a : to set before the mind (as for discussion, imitation, or action) propose a plan for settling the disputeb : to set before someone and especially oneself as an aim or intent proposed to spend the summer in Italy
2a : to set forth for acceptance or rejection propose terms for peace propose a topic for debateb : to recommend to fill a place or vacancy : nominate propose them for membershipc : to offer as a toast propose the happiness of the couple

proposer

noun

See propose defined for English-language learners

See propose defined for kids

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 of propose from the Web

When it was first proposed several years ago, the bill was the Alabama Spaceport Authority Act.

— lee roop, AL.com, "Alabama gets ready for the new space race", 6 July 2017
Moskalick proposed the idea to her college coach, Judy Wilson.

— rahim thompson, Post-Tribune, "Lindsay Moskalick the Post-Tribune 2017 Girls Track Coach of the Year", 5 July 2017
President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos have proposed reducing the federal education budget by $9 billion, in part by cutting a $27 million arts-education program.

— tracy brown hamilton, The Atlantic, "The Diminishing Role of Art in Children's Lives", 5 July 2017
The president’s chief strategist is reportedly proposing the one thing that could get Republicans to turn on Trump.

— vanityfair.com, "Is Steve Bannon Trying to Get Trump Impeached?", 3 July 2017
Republicans in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate have proposed legislation that would change that to hold down costs.

— andy marso, kansascity, "Here’s how Medicaid changes in GOP health bills might affect Kansas and Missouri", 2 July 2017
A winding road to the center of Vladivostok, around 35 miles away, is so clogged with traffic that Yuri Trutnev, Mr. Putin’s envoy for the Russian Far East, proposed opening a ferry service to speed up the journey to the casino.

— andrew higgins, New York Times, "In Russia’s Far East, a Fledgling Las Vegas for Asia’s Gamblers", 1 July 2017
The RCI group proposed an $80 million private investment that would keep and renovate the existing Whiskey Joe’s restaurant building and erect a new dry-storage building.

— andres viglucci, miamiherald, "Second go-around on Virginia Key marinas revamp may be running aground", 1 July 2017
The White House budget proposed in May eliminated international nutrition programs, saying their administration was inefficient, a move ignored in both houses of Congress by appropriators drafting spending resolutions.

— alan bjerga, Bloomberg.com, "Trump Said to Put Off Order Requiring Food Aid on Domestic Ships", 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'propose'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of propose

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

PROPOSE Defined for English Language Learners

propose

play

verb

Definition of propose for English Language Learners

: to suggest (something, such as a plan or theory) to a person or group of people to consider
: to plan or intend to do (something)
: to suggest (someone) for a job, position, office, etc.

PROPOSE Defined for Kids

propose

play

verb pro·pose \prə-ˈpōz\

Definition of propose for Students

proposed

;

proposing

1 : to make a suggestion to be thought over and talked about : suggest
2 : to make plans : intend How do you propose to pay for a new bike?
3 : to make an offer of marriage
4 : to suggest (someone) for filling a place or position I proposed my teacher for the award.