propose - Wiktionary, the free dictionary (original) (raw)

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

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.

propose (third-person singular simple present proposes, present participle proposing, simple past and past participle proposed)

  1. (transitive) To suggest a plan, course of action, etc.
    Synonyms: put forth, suggest, (rare) project, forthput
    I propose going to see a film.
    to propose an alliance
    to propose a question for discussion
    • 2017 May 23, Gregory Krieg and Will Mullery, “Trump’s budget by the numbers: What gets cut and why”, in CNN‎[1]:
      “The Budget proposes eliminating Supporting Effective Instruction (SEI) State Grants (Title II State grants), a program that provides formula funds to States to improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other schools leaders. SEI grants are poorly targeted and funds are spread too thinly to have a meaningful impact on student outcomes.
    • 2019, VOA Learning English (public domain)
      President Moon Jae-in proposed the plan this week during a meeting with government officials, his spokesman said.
  2. (intransitive, sometimes followed by to) To ask for a person's hand in marriage.
    He proposed to her last night and she accepted him.
    • 1960 March, N. Caplan, “The Railway Member of Parliament”, in Railway Magazine, page 208:
      After the death of his [Verney's] first wife, he proposed to Florence Nightingale but she refused him. Later he married her sister, and for many years Claydon was Miss Nightingale's second home.
  3. (transitive) To intend.
    He proposes to set up his own business.
  4. (obsolete) To talk; to converse.
  5. (obsolete) To set forth.

to suggest a plan or course of action

to intend

propose (plural proposes)

  1. (obsolete) An objective or aim.

propose

  1. inflection of proposer:
    1. first/third-person singular present indicative/subjunctive
    2. second-person singular imperative

propose

  1. third-person past historic of proporre