propose — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To suggest a plan, course of action, etc.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   put forthsuggestforthput

   Examples

   I propose going to see a film.

   to propose an alliance

   More examples (3)

   to propose a question for discussion

   “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.

   President Moon Jae-in proposed the plan this week during a meeting with government officials, his spokesman said.

2. To ask for a person's hand in marriage.

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • sometimes
   • with-to

   Examples

   He proposed to her last night and she accepted him.

   More examples (1)

   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. To intend.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   He proposes to set up his own business.

   I propose to relate, in several volumes, the history of the people of New England.

   More examples (1)

   Many of the proposed dams would be among the tallest in the world.

4. To talk; to converse.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Examples

   HERO. Good Margaret, run thee to the parlour; There shalt thou find my cousin Beatrice Proposing with the prince and Claudio

5. To set forth.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Examples

   […]so weighty was the cup, That being propos'd brimful of wine, one scarce could lift it up.

Noun

1. An objective or aim.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Examples

   whose aime hath beene to make us not good and wittie, but wise and learned; She hath attained her propose.

Verb

1. make a proposal, declare a plan for something

   Synonyms

   suggestadvise

   Broader terms

   declare

   Examples

   the senator proposed to abolish the sales tax

2. present for consideration, examination, criticism, etc.

   Synonyms

   project

   Broader terms

   plan

   Examples

   He proposed a new plan for dealing with terrorism

   She proposed a new theory of relativity

   More examples (1)

   The candidate projects himself as a moderate and a reformer

3. propose or intend

   Synonyms

   aimpurposepurport

   Broader terms

   intendmeanthink

   Examples

   I aim to arrive at noon

4. put forward; nominate for appointment to an office or for an honor or position

   Synonyms

   nominate

   Broader terms

   choosetakeselectpick out

   Examples

   The President nominated her as head of the Civil Rights Commission

5. ask (someone) to marry you

   Synonyms

   declare oneselfofferpop the question

   Broader terms

   request

   Examples

   he popped the question on Sunday night

   she proposed marriage to the man she had known for only two months

   More examples (1)

   The old bachelor finally declared himself to the young woman