Word
suggest
Phoneticssug·gest, stress on the second syllable
US/səˈdʒɛst/
UK/sədʒˈɛst/
Definitions
01to propose an idea
A2 · Elementary
v. to mention an idea or a plan for someone else to think about.
v. to put forward a plan, idea, or candidate for consideration or action.
日本語:提案する※
“I suggest taking the train because the traffic is very heavy today.”
“The consultant suggested that the board restructure the department to improve internal communication and reduce overhead costs.”
Usage
Often followed by a gerund (suggest doing) or a 'that' clause (suggest that he do).
Pitfall
He suggested me to go to the doctor.
He suggested that I go to the doctor.
The verb 'suggest' cannot be followed by an object + infinitive. Use a 'that' clause or a gerund instead.
02to indicate or imply
B1 · Intermediate
v. to show that something is likely true without saying it in a direct way.
v. to communicate a fact or state of affairs indirectly; to serve as evidence for a particular conclusion.
日本語:示唆する※
“The dark clouds suggest that it might rain later this afternoon.”
“Preliminary data from the study suggest a strong correlation between sleep quality and cognitive performance in older adults.”
Usage
Usually takes a non-human subject like 'evidence', 'data', or 'research'.
03to bring to mind
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make you think of something else because of a similarity.
v. to evoke a mental image or idea through association or resemblance.
日本語:連想する※
“The smell of the sea always suggests happy childhood holidays to me.”
“The melody's haunting quality suggests the vast, empty landscapes of the composer's northern homeland.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “suggest” in context.
Confusables
Suggest proposes a possibility for consideration, while recommend provides a stronger endorsement based on personal belief or expertise.
RememberSuggest = an idea. Recommend = a seal of approval.
Etymology
Coined based on Latin suggestus, perfect passive participle of suggerō (“bring up, bring under, lay beneath, furnish, supply, excite, advise, suggest”, verb), from sub (“from below, under”) + gerō (“bear, carry”, verb).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Grammar
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/suggest
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0