Propose
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /pɹəˈpəʊz/
- GenAm IPA: /pɹəˈpoʊz/
- Rhymes: -əʊz
Origin
From Anglo-Norman proposer (verb), propos (noun), Middle French proposer (verb), propos (noun), from Latin propositum, perfect passive participle of propono
Full definition of propose
Verb
- (transitive) To suggest a plan, course of action, etc.I propose going to see a film.to propose an alliance; to propose a question for discussion
- (intransitive, sometimes followed by to) To ask for a person's hand in marriage.He proposed to her last night and she accepted him.
- (transitive) To intend.He proposes to set up his own business.
- 1859, John Gorham Palfrey, History of New England, Preface (Google preview):I propose to relate, in several volumes, the history of the people of New England.
- 2013-08-16, John Vidal, Dams endanger ecology of Himalayas, Many of the proposed dams would be among the tallest in the world.
- (obsolete) To talk; to converse.
- 1599, William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing, :HERO. Good Margaret, run thee to the parlour;There shalt thou find my cousin BeatriceProposing with the prince and Claudio
- (obsolete) To set forth.
- 1616, George Chapman (translator), Homer's Iliad, book 11:. . . so weighty was the cup,That being propos'd brimful of wine, one scarce could lift it up.
Usage notes
In use 1. this is sometimes a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing).
In use 3, this is a catenative verb that takes the to infinitive.
For more information, see
Compared to to suggest, to propose is more deliberate and definite. To suggest is merely to mention, while to propose is to have a definite plan and intention.
Synonyms
Derived terms
Related terms
Noun
propose
(plural proposes)- (obsolete) An objective or aim.
- 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.17:whose aime hath beene to make us not good and wittie, but wise and learned; She hath attained her propose.