English Reference

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.”

Antonyms

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

measureballot initiative

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.

Synonyms

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.”
Smithsonian Magazine 13 Aug 2026
“So what would it take to build these data centers in space, and why are companies finding this possibility such an interesting business proposition?”
ScienceDaily 19 Jun 2026

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

NOUN

proposition(C1)

Related words

Domains

GrammarLogicMathematicsPhilosophyPolitics

This entry

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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English Reference