# proposition

/ˌpɹɑpəˈzɪʃən/ (US) · /pɹˌɒpəzˈɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/proposition
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a suggestion or plan

noun · CEFR B2

an idea, plan, or offer that is suggested for people to consider.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. logic or math

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

a statement that says something is true or false.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. a law to vote on

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a suggested new law that people vote on in an election.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to make an offer

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to suggest a deal or a plan to someone, often in a very direct way.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The company made a business proposition to the new investors.
- The city council rejected the proposition to build a new stadium due to environmental concerns.
- In formal logic, a proposition must be clearly defined so that its truth value can be evaluated without ambiguity or reliance on subjective interpretation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.