I. prop ‧ o ‧ si ‧ tion 1 /ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃ ə n $ ˌprɑː-/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
1 . STATEMENT a statement that consists of a carefully considered opinion or judgment
proposition that
Most people accept the proposition that we have a duty to protect endangered animals.
The theory is founded on two basic propositions.
2 . SUGGESTION a suggestion, or something that is suggested or considered as a possible thing to do:
He telephoned Stuart with a proposition.
attractive/interesting/practical etc proposition
The offer of two tickets for the price of one makes it a very attractive proposition.
It doesn’t sound like a very viable proposition to me.
I’ve got a proposition to put to you.
3 . be a different/tricky/simple etc proposition used to say how easy someone or something will be to deal with:
My new boss is a very different proposition.
4 . LAW ( also Proposition ) a suggested change or addition to the law of a state of the US, which citizens vote on:
Proposition 147
5 . MATHEMATICS technical something that must be proved, or a question to which the answer must be found – used in ↑ geometry
—propositional adjective
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ verbs
▪ put a proposition to somebody ( also make (somebody) a proposition )
A proposition was put to Owen, and he is considering it.
|
I’m going to make you a proposition.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + proposition
▪ a business proposition
Does this mean you’ve changed your mind about my business proposition?
▪ a commercial proposition (=likely to be financially successful)
Gold mining is not a commercial proposition here.
▪ an attractive proposition
Setting up your own business is a very attractive proposition.
▪ an interesting proposition
A further study focussing on older people is an interesting proposition.
▪ a practical/viable proposition (=likely to be possible or successful)
A complete ban on strikes is not a practical proposition.
II. proposition 2 BrE AmE verb [transitive] formal
to suggest to someone that they have sex with you:
Here, prostitutes constantly proposition tourists.