suggestion
- 01 A2 Elementary
an idea, plan, or possibility that you mention for someone else to consider.
a proposal or idea offered for consideration. Countable in this sense.
Simple“Do you have any suggestions for a good restaurant near the hotel?”
In context“The manager welcomed suggestions from the staff regarding how to streamline the morning check-in process for new clients.”
PitfallHe gave me a suggestion for improving my English. He made a suggestion for improving my English.In English, you usually 'make' a suggestion rather than 'give' one.
Synonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
the process of mentioning an idea or making a recommendation.
the action of proposing something or the state of being suggested. Uncountable in this sense.
Simple“The trip was organized at the suggestion of my best friend.”
In context“At the suggestion of the legal department, the board decided to postpone the announcement until the contracts were fully vetted.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a very small amount or a slight sign of something.
a slight trace, hint, or indication of a quality or feeling.
Simple“There was just a suggestion of a smile on her face as she read the letter.”
In context“The sauce was rich and creamy, with just a subtle suggestion of garlic that didn't overpower the delicate flavour of the fish.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
the process of influencing a person's thoughts or behavior, often through hypnosis or subtle hints.
the process by which a physical or mental state is influenced by a thought or idea, especially in a clinical or hypnotic context.
Simple“The power of suggestion can sometimes make people feel better even without medicine.”
In context“The therapist used the power of suggestion to help the patient overcome their deep-seated fear of public speaking.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
a claim or idea mentioned in court that is not yet proven by evidence.
a statement or insinuation made during legal proceedings that lacks the status of sworn testimony or formal evidence.
Simple“The lawyer's suggestion that the witness was lying was not supported by any facts.”
In context“The judge reminded the jury to distinguish between the lawyer's suggestions and the actual evidence presented during the trial.”
Usage suggestion for our journalists
From Middle English suggestion, from Anglo-Norman suggestioun, sugestiun, from Latin suggestiō, from suggerō (“suggest”, verb), from Latin sub- (“from below, up”) + gerō (“to bring”). Equivalent to suggest + -ion. Related to English up-, cast.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.