Word
propose
Phoneticspro·pose, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹəˈpoʊz/
UK/pɹəpˈəʊz/
Definitions
01to suggest a plan
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. to suggest a plan, idea, or action for other people to consider.
v. to put forward a plan, motion, or suggestion for consideration or adoption by others.
日本語:提案する※
Español:proponer
“The committee will propose a new set of rules at the next meeting.”
“The lead researcher intends to propose a radical restructuring of the department during the annual board review.”
Usage
Often followed by a 'that' clause or a gerund; in formal meetings, it is used to introduce a motion.
Pitfall
I 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.
02to ask for marriage
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to ask someone to marry you.
v. to make an offer of marriage to someone.
日本語:プロポーズする※
“He decided to propose to her while they were on holiday in Italy.”
“After five years of dating, he finally found the perfect moment to propose during a quiet walk along the cliffs.”
Usage
Intransitive when used with 'to' (propose to someone), or transitive in the formal phrase 'propose marriage'.
Synonyms
03to intend
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to plan or intend to do something.
v. to have as a plan or purpose; to intend.
Español:proponerse
“How do you propose to finish all this work by tomorrow?”
“The government proposes to invest heavily in renewable energy over the next decade to meet its climate targets.”
Usage
In this sense, it is frequently followed by an infinitive (propose to do something).
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “propose” in context.
Verb
01. initially propose
“The committee did not initially propose such a radical change to the policy.”
adv + verb
02. originally propose
“The architect originally proposed a glass roof, but it was too expensive.”
adv + verb
03. propose approach
“The researchers propose a new approach to solving the energy crisis.”
verb + noun
04. propose by
“The amendments were proposed by the opposition party during the debate.”
verb + prep
05. propose method
“We propose a method for improving the efficiency of the production line.”
verb + noun
06. propose theory
“Darwin was the first to propose the theory of evolution by natural selection.”
verb + noun
07. recently propose
“Several scientists have recently proposed a new explanation for the phenomenon.”
adv + verb
Noun
08. model propose
“The model proposes that consumer behavior is driven by emotional factors.”
noun + verb
09. theory propose
“The theory proposes that all matter is made up of tiny vibrating strings.”
noun + verb
Real-World Examples
“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.” “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.” Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/propose
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0