# suggestion

/səˈdʒɛstʃən/ (US) · /sədʒˈɛstʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/suggestion
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a proposed idea

noun · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. the act of suggesting

noun · CEFR B1

the process of mentioning an idea or making a recommendation.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a slight trace

noun · CEFR B2

a very small amount or a slight sign of something.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. psychological influence

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. legal insinuation

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Do you have any suggestion for what we should eat tonight?
- The manager welcomed every suggestion from the staff on how to improve the office environment.
- While the witness claimed to remember the suspect clearly, the defence argued that her memory had been altered by the subtle suggestion of the leading questions asked during the initial interview.

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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.