prəˈpōz, prōˈ- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English proposen, from Middle French proposer, modification (influenced by poser to put, place) of Latin proponere to display, declare, propound (perfect stem propos- ) — more at propound , pose
intransitive verb
1. : to form or declare a plan or intention
man proposes, but God disposes
2. obsolete : to engage in talk or discussion : converse
there shalt thou find my cousin … proposing with the prince — Shakespeare
3. : to make an offer of marriage
4. : to make a prescribed statement in a card game indicating that one's hand is weak: as
a. : to undertake the lowest contract in solo
b. : to offer the drawing of additional cards in écarté
transitive verb
1.
a. : to set before the mind : bring forward : propound
b. : intend
to China, where she proposed to spend some time with her friends — H.E.Salisbury
c. obsolete : confront , face
d. obsolete : suppose , imagine
be now the father, and propose a son — Shakespeare
e. : to picture in the mind : image
2. obsolete : to set forth : exhibit , show
3. : to offer for consideration, discussion, acceptance, or adoption
propose terms of peace
propose a legislative measure
propose a topic for debate
propose an alliance
propose a friend for a club
4. : to set up or declare as a formed purpose
proposed to himself to achieve what hitherto he had been promised in vain, the title of cardinal — Hilaire Belloc
5.
a. : to offer as a toast
proposed the health of all the ladies present
b. : to suggest drinking (a toast)
6. : to use (a taxonomic name for a new or reclassified species) for the first time in a publication
Synonyms: see intend