English Reference

Word

suggestion

Phoneticssug·ges·tion, stress on the second syllable

US/səˈdʒɛstʃən/

UK/sədʒˈɛstʃən/

Definitions

01a proposed idea

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. an idea, plan, or possibility that you mention for someone else to consider.

n. a proposal or idea offered for consideration. Countable in this sense.

“Do you have any suggestions for a good restaurant near the hotel?”

“The manager welcomed suggestions from the staff regarding how to streamline the morning check-in process for new clients.”

Pitfall

He 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.

02the act of suggesting

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the process of mentioning an idea or making a recommendation.

n. the action of proposing something or the state of being suggested. Uncountable in this sense.

“The trip was organized at the suggestion of my best friend.”

“At the suggestion of the legal department, the board decided to postpone the announcement until the contracts were fully vetted.”

Synonyms

03a slight trace

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a very small amount or a slight sign of something.

n. a slight trace, hint, or indication of a quality or feeling.

“There was just a suggestion of a smile on her face as she read the letter.”

“The sauce was rich and creamy, with just a subtle suggestion of garlic that didn't overpower the delicate flavour of the fish.”

Synonyms

04psychological influence

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Psychology Technical

n. the process of influencing a person's thoughts or behavior, often through hypnosis or subtle hints.

n. the process by which a physical or mental state is influenced by a thought or idea, especially in a clinical or hypnotic context.

“The power of suggestion can sometimes make people feel better even without medicine.”

“The therapist used the power of suggestion to help the patient overcome their deep-seated fear of public speaking.”

05legal insinuation

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Formal · Technical

n. a claim or idea mentioned in court that is not yet proven by evidence.

n. a statement or insinuation made during legal proceedings that lacks the status of sworn testimony or formal evidence.

“The lawyer's suggestion that the witness was lying was not supported by any facts.”

“The judge reminded the jury to distinguish between the lawyer's suggestions and the actual evidence presented during the trial.”

Synonyms

insinuationassertion

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “suggestion” in context.

01. suggestion for our journalists

Etymology

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.

Word family

NOUN

suggestion(A2)

Domains

LawPsychology

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.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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