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

We Energies' corporate counsel said the company had already been working to improve its services in Glendale but agreed to take on additional projects to settle the city's concerns, according to an August 2023 letter from We Energies proposing to resolve the city's complaint filed in 2022. —Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2024

Instead of waiting for the herd to lose half its members to a bad winter or pneumonia outbreak, biologists proposed hunting ewes to keep the population around 400, better matching what the habitat could support. —Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 11 Apr. 2024

Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s party has proposed changing the law – which currently prohibits terminations in almost all cases – to allow for abortions up to the 12th week of pregnancy. —Rob Picheta, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024

The Horne Auto Group proposes the Gateway Auto Mall development to be located on the east and west sides of Signal Butte Road between the south of State Route 24 and Pecos Road. —Maritza Dominguez, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024

At the same time, there's a push from some lawmakers and policy experts to boost tax rates for the rich, with President Joe Biden proposing to reverse a rate cut on the nation's top earners that was part of the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2024

Health advocates praised the Environmental Protection Agency for not backing away from tough limits the agency proposed last year. —Michael Phillis, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2024

The only automakers to support the rule as initially proposed were Tesla and Rivian Automotive Inc., which make only all-electric vehicles. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024

The new limits lower zero-emission sales rates proposed for the 2027 through 2029 model years but require higher sales later, resulting in a practical mandate for electric and hydrogen-powered trucks, the trucking associations said in a statement. —Matthew Daly, Fortune, 30 Mar. 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