propose
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to suggest a plan, idea, or action for other people to consider.
to put forward a plan, motion, or suggestion for consideration or adoption by others.
Simple“The committee will propose a new set of rules at the next meeting.”
In context“The lead researcher intends to propose a radical restructuring of the department during the annual board review.”
UsageOften followed by a 'that' clause or a gerund; in formal meetings, it is used to introduce a motion.
PitfallI propose to go to the cinema. I propose going to the cinema.When suggesting an action, 'propose' is usually followed by a gerund (-ing) or a 'that' clause, rather than an infinitive.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to ask someone to marry you.
to make an offer of marriage to someone.
Simple“He decided to propose to her while they were on holiday in Italy.”
In context“After five years of dating, he finally found the perfect moment to propose during a quiet walk along the cliffs.”
UsageIntransitive when used with 'to' (propose to someone), or transitive in the formal phrase 'propose marriage'.
Synonymsask for someone's hand - 03 C1 Advanced
to plan or intend to do something.
to have as a plan or purpose; to intend.
Simple“How do you propose to finish all this work by tomorrow?”
In context“The government proposes to invest heavily in renewable energy over the next decade to meet its climate targets.”
UsageIn this sense, it is frequently followed by an infinitive (propose to do something).
Usage approach propose · initially propose · model propose
“Out of respect for the process, we do not propose to discuss the detail of the challenge while the question of permission is before the court.”
“The agency will now review the comments and decide whether it will take the next step, which would be to officially propose a rule change.”
From Middle English proposen, from Anglo-Norman proposer (verb), propos (noun), Middle French proposer (verb), propos (noun), from Latin prōpōnō, prōpōnere, with conjugation altered based on poser. Doublet of propound.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.