proposition
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.an idea, plan, or offer that is suggested for people to consider.
n.a formal proposal or scheme offered for consideration or acceptance.
Simple“The company made a proposition to buy the smaller firm for ten million dollars.”
In context“The board of directors carefully weighed the proposition, considering whether the merger would truly benefit the shareholders in the long term.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The professor asked us to prove the proposition using basic logic.”
In context“In formal logic, a proposition must be clearly defined so that its truth value can be tested without ambiguity.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“Voters will decide on Proposition 5, which aims to increase funding for schools.”
In context“The controversial proposition passed by a narrow margin, leading to immediate changes in the state's environmental regulations.”
Synonymsmeasureballot initiative - 04 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“He propositioned his boss with a plan to start a new department.”
In context“She was propositioned by a rival firm that offered her a significantly higher salary and better benefits.”
UsageThis verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Teacher's tipIn modern usage, this often implies a sexual advance; students should use it cautiously in professional settings.
Usage following proposition
“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?”
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.