Word
proposition
Phoneticspropo·si·tion
US/ˌpɹɑpəˈzɪʃən/
UK/pɹˌɒpəzˈɪʃən/
Definitions
01a suggestion or plan
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. an idea, plan, or offer that is suggested for people to consider.
n. a formal proposal or scheme offered for consideration or acceptance.
“The company made a proposition to buy the smaller firm for ten million dollars.”
“The board of directors carefully weighed the proposition, considering whether the merger would truly benefit the shareholders in the long term.”
Synonyms
02logic or math
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Mathematics Academic · Technical
n. a statement that says something is true or false.
n. a statement or assertion that expresses a judgment or can be proven true or false.
“The professor asked us to prove the proposition using basic logic.”
“In formal logic, a proposition must be clearly defined so that its truth value can be tested without ambiguity.”
03a law to vote on
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Law American English
n. a suggested new law that people vote on in an election.
n. a proposed piece of legislation or constitutional amendment submitted to a popular vote.
“Voters will decide on Proposition 5, which aims to increase funding for schools.”
“The controversial proposition passed by a narrow margin, leading to immediate changes in the state's environmental regulations.”
Synonyms
04to make an offer
C1 · Advanced Informal
v. to suggest a deal or a plan to someone, often in a very direct way.
v. to make a suggestion or proposal to someone, typically concerning a business deal or a sexual encounter.
“He propositioned his boss with a plan to start a new department.”
“She was propositioned by a rival firm that offered her a significantly higher salary and better benefits.”
Usage
This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Teaching tip
In modern usage, this often implies a sexual advance; students should use it cautiously in professional settings.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “proposition” in context.
Adjective
01. following proposition
“The committee was asked to vote on the following proposition regarding the new environmental policy.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“In addition to any allegiance the Germans felt toward their homeland—and whatever punishment they might face if caught—going over to the American side seemed like a losing proposition.” “So what would it take to build these data centers in space, and why are companies finding this possibility such an interesting business proposition?” Etymology
From Middle English proposicioun, from Old French proposicion, from Latin prōpositiō, from the verb prōponō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
Domains
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/proposition