propose

verb

pro·​pose prə-ˈpōz How to pronounce propose (audio)
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

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 Dingell proposed his own bills, detailed last summer by The New York Times. Christine Spolar, NPR, 6 Mar. 2024 The states proposed the short-term cuts to deal with water shortages through 2026, when the current rules for managing the river expire. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Our Congress proposes amendments which are then sent to the states for ratification. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 Including the information in a 10-K filing also increases the potential liability a company faces in providing the disclosures, which might prompt them to compile the information more carefully, said the SEC in its proposing release. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2024 The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimates the new regulation, first proposed in February 2023, will save families more than $10 billion a year by cutting fees from an average of $32. Matt Egan, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 The bill brings together elements from numerous pieces of legislation proposed or enacted over the last year, enhancing punishment or pretrial detention while also loosening some restrictions on police officers. Emily Davies, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 It’s proposed to get a violin-playing rabbit sculpture that received a 3.91 ranking. Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2024 As proposed, House Bill 1399, would change the definition of PFAS in Indiana only. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'propose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of propose was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near propose

Cite this Entry

“Propose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propose. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

propose

verb
pro·​pose prə-ˈpōz How to pronounce propose (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on propose

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