What does "suggestion" mean?

1. (a proposed idea) an idea, plan, or possibility that you mention for someone else to consider. 2. (the act of suggesting) the process of mentioning an idea or making a recommendation. 3. (a slight trace) a very small amount or a slight sign of something. 4. (psychological influence) the process of influencing a person's thoughts or behavior, often through hypnosis or subtle hints. 5. (legal insinuation) a claim or idea mentioned in court that is not yet proven by evidence.

Is it correct to say "He gave me a suggestion for improving my English."?

No — say "He made a suggestion for improving my English.". In English, you usually 'make' a suggestion rather than 'give' one.

suggestion

US //səˈdʒɛstʃən// UK //sədʒˈɛstʃən// sug·ges·tion

1 a proposed idea (n.)
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.

Example

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

Example

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.
2 the act of suggesting (n.)
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.

Example

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

Example

At the suggestion of the legal department, the board decided to postpone the announcement until the contracts were fully vetted.
- proposing
- advice

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3 a slight trace (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a very small amount or a slight sign of something.

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

Example

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

Example

The sauce was rich and creamy, with just a subtle suggestion of garlic that didn't overpower the delicate flavour of the fish.
4 psychological influence (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Psychology

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.

Example

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

Example

The therapist used the power of suggestion to help the patient overcome their deep-seated fear of public speaking.
- influence
- prompting
5 legal insinuation (n.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Law

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.

Example

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

Example

The judge reminded the jury to distinguish between the lawyer's suggestions and the actual evidence presented during the trial.
- insinuation
- assertion
- evidence
- proof

Origin

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.