- 1 [transitive] (formal) to suggest a plan, an idea, etc. for people to think about and decide on propose something The government proposed changes to the voting system. What would you propose? propose that… She proposed that the book be banned. (British English also) She proposed that the book should be banned. it is proposed that… It was proposed that the president be elected for a period of two years. propose doing something He proposed changing the name of the company. it is proposed to do something It was proposed to pay the money from public funds. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adverbseriously, formally, first, … prepositionas, for phrasesnewly proposed, recently proposed See full entry intend
- 2 [transitive] (formal) to intend to do something propose to do something What do you propose to do now? propose doing something How do you propose getting home? marriage
- 3 [intransitive, transitive] to ask somebody to marry you He was afraid that if he proposed she might refuse. propose to somebody She proposed to me! propose something (to somebody) to propose marriage Wordfinderweddingbest man, bride, ceremony, engaged, honeymoon, marriage, propose, reception, stag night, wedding See related entries: Marriage at formal meeting
- 4[transitive] to suggest something at a formal meeting and ask people to vote on it propose somebody (for/as something) I propose Tom Ellis for chairman. propose something to propose a motion (= to be the main speaker in support of an idea at a formal debate) compare oppose, second1 Wordfinderdebateargument, ayes, chair, debate, the floor, motion, propose, second, speak, vote suggest explanation
- 5[transitive] propose something (formal) to suggest an explanation of something for people to consider synonym propound She proposed a possible solution to the mystery. Word OriginMiddle English: from Old French proposer, from Latin proponere ‘set forth’ (from pro- ‘forward’ + ponere ‘put’), but influenced by Latin propositus ‘put or set forth’ and Old French poser ‘to place’.Extra examples Are you seriously proposing that we should allow this situation to continue? He was proposed for the job of treasurer. The measures have been proposed as a way of improving standards. The plan originally proposed was ruled completely unrealistic. the newly proposed amendments the recently proposed standards He will propose a motion in tomorrow’s debate. She proposed a reduction in the state president’s powers. The proposed trip to Spain had to be cancelled at the last minute. We do not propose to take any further action in the matter.Idioms
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BrE BrE//prəˈpəʊz//; NAmE NAmE//prəˈpoʊz//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they propose BrE BrE//prəˈpəʊz//; NAmE NAmE//prəˈpoʊz//
he / she / it proposes BrE BrE//prəˈpəʊzɪz//; NAmE NAmE//prəˈpoʊzɪz//
past simple proposed BrE BrE//prəˈpəʊzd//; NAmE NAmE//prəˈpoʊzd//
past participle proposed BrE BrE//prəˈpəʊzd//; NAmE NAmE//prəˈpoʊzd//
-ing form proposing BrE BrE//prəˈpəʊzɪŋ//; NAmE NAmE//prəˈpoʊzɪŋ//
Marriageto ask people to wish somebody health, happiness and success by raising their glasses and drinking I'd like to propose a toast to the bride and groom.
Check pronunciation: propose
