pro ‧ pose S2 W2 /prəˈpəʊz $ -ˈpoʊz/ BrE AmE verb
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: proposer , from Latin proponere ; ⇨ ↑ propound ]
1 . SUGGEST [transitive] formal to suggest something as a plan or course of action ⇨ proposal :
the changes currently proposed by the local planning authorities
the proposed budget cuts
propose 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 extending the motorway.
► Do not say ‘propose someone something’. Say propose something : He proposed a compromise (NOT He proposed me a compromise).
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say that someone puts forward plans, ideas etc, rather than proposes them:
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The idea was first put forward by a German scientist.
2 . MEETING [transitive] to formally suggest a course of action at a meeting and ask people to vote on it
propose 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] 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] formal to intend to do something
propose 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] to ask someone to marry you, especially in a formal way
propose to
Shaun proposed to me only six months after we met.
b) propose marriage formal to ask someone to marry you
6 . propose a toast (to somebody) to formally ask a group of people at a social event to join you in wishing someone success, happiness, etc as they raise and drink a glass of wine:
I’d like to propose a toast to the bride and groom.
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THESAURUS
▪ suggest to tell someone your ideas about what they should do:
'Why don’t you come with us?', Alan suggested.
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It was a sunny afternoon and so I suggested going to the beach.
▪ recommend to suggest that someone goes somewhere, tries something etc because you know that it is good and you think they will like it:
Can you recommend a good restaurant near here?
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It’s a brilliant book - I’d recommend it to anyone.
▪ propose formal to formally suggest a plan or course of action, especially at a meeting:
The government has proposed building a new town just north of the city.
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I propose that we send a delegation to London to discuss our concerns.
▪ put forward to suggest an idea, plan, reason etc:
The party has put forward new proposals to reduce the number of cars in the town centre.
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The idea was first put forward by Aristotle.
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A number of reasons have been put forward to explain these negative results.
▪ nominate to officially suggest someone for an important job or position, or a person, film etc for a prize, especially when people will vote to make a decision:
He’s been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature several times.
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Three candidates have been nominated for the position of chairman.