From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishproposepro‧pose /prəˈpəʊz $ -ˈpoʊz/ ●●○ W2 verb 1 suggest [transitive] formalPLAN to suggest something as a plan or course of action → proposal The changes were first proposed last year. the proposed budget cutspropose (that) In his speech he proposed that the UN should set up an emergency centre for the environment.propose doing something The report also proposes expanding the airport.propose something to somebody He proposed a compromise to me.► see thesaurus at suggestRegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that someone puts forward plans, ideas etc, rather than proposes them:The idea was first put forward by a German scientist.2 meeting [transitive]SUGGEST to formally suggest a course of action at a meeting and ask people to vote on itpropose a motion/amendment/resolution etc The resolution was proposed by the chairman of the International Committee.propose somebody for something Mr Leesom proposed Mrs Banks for the position of Treasurer (=he suggested formally that she should be the treasurer).3 theory [transitive]H to suggest an idea, method etc as an answer to a scientific question or as a better way of doing something A number of theories have been proposed to explain the phenomenon.4 intend [transitive] formalINTEND to intend to do somethingpropose to do something How does he propose to deal with the situation?propose doing something We still don’t know how the company proposes raising the money.5 marriage a) [intransitive]SSFMARRY to ask someone to marry you, especially in a formal waypropose to Shaun proposed to me only six months after we met. b) propose marriage formalSSFMARRY to ask someone to marry you6 → propose a toast (to somebody)GRAMMAR: Patterns with propose• In everyday English, you propose that someone does something: I propose that Ms Hallam is appointed.• In more formal English, you propose that someone do something, using the base form of the verb (=infinitive without ‘to’): I propose that Ms Hallam be appointed. ✗Don’t say: I propose Ms Hallam to be appointed.• You can also use the base form when talking about the past: I proposed that Ms Hallam be appointed.• You propose that someone should do something: He proposed that we should have another meeting. This pattern is used especially in British English. • You say it was proposed that someone (should) do something: It was proposed that we (should) have another meeting.→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
propose• Did he get down on one knee to propose?• The Russians proposed a treaty banning all nuclear tests.• He knows Clinton will not propose and Congress will not enact legislation to seriously weaken provisions of the new law.• At the last meeting, Mrs Williams was proposed by several members.• Ramsay, accepting the need, wondered whether even Douglas would have the presumption to propose himself for the position.• I would like to propose Mr Harrison for the position of Party Treasurer.• Each member receives an Annual Report and the opportunity to propose people to stand for the Executive Committee.• We proposed several dates for the next meeting, but they were all rejected.• In essence I proposed that rather than having public investment we should substitute private investment without any Government guarantee.• I propose that we discuss this at the next meeting.• But what had made the girl propose to him in this way?• I thought he was going to propose to me, but in fact he just wanted to borrow some money.• The new or expanded benefits proposed would cost more than $ 17 billion over five years.propose doing something• The new administration has proposed scrapping more than 400 obsolete government programs.propose a motion/amendment/resolution etc• Is is worth the trouble of allowing members to propose resolutions?• He did not mention the other proposed amendments, although in the past he has supported all but one.• But those proposed amendments are merely the ones that generate the most political heat.• Lindell said that if he is elected in November, he would introduce the proposed amendment during the 1997 regular session.• The Committee adopted by voice vote an amendment offered by Senator Helms to the proposed resolution of ratification.• A proposed resolution to oppose voucher plans and charter schools provoked a spirited debate on the convention floor.• He proposed an amendment to the poll tax to take account of ability to pay and split the Conservative Party in 1988.propose to do something• He is the self-proclaimed outsider who knows Washington; the former secretary of education who proposes to abolish the department.• If he does agree, how much more does he propose to allocate?• At the same time, it is proposed to assess the degree of correlation between economic and social developments and political evolution.• Since you have failed to give him Famagusta, he proposes to celebrate it in his own capital.• One council member proposed to close three of the schools to save money.• What do you propose to do about it?• It did not occur to him to propose to Emily and assume that he could live off his wife.• In other words, Howard proposes to infuse the public sector with private sector values.• It is proposed to open the castle to the public when the work has been completed.• Now at Niagara, Hall was proposing to produce one thousand pounds a day.From Longman Business Dictionaryproposepro‧pose /prəˈpəʊz-ˈpoʊz/ verb [transitive]1to suggest something such as a plan or course of actionLyle proposed large cuts in the training budget.propose thatHansen has proposed that I become his business partner. —proposed adjective [only before a noun]the financial and legal consequences of proposed changes to the agreement2to formally suggest a course of action at a meeting and ask people to vote on itThe chairman proposed a scheme to save both the company and investors’ funds.He will propose a motion at Monday’s special meeting, calling on the committee to reverse its decision.3formal to intend to do somethingpropose to do somethingWhich of his assets is he proposing to sell?The Sales Director is proposing to boost sales by spending an additional £3,000 per month on advertising.→ See Verb tableOrigin propose (1300-1400) Old French proposer, from Latin proponere; → PROPOUND 