Propose — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /prə-ˈpōz/ pro·pose

Meaning & Definition of Propose

Propose (verb)

  1. to form or put forward a plan or intention
  2. to engage in talk or discussion
  3. to make an offer of marriage

Propose (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to set before the mind for consideration

    "he proposed that we go for a walk this afternoon"

    similar: advance, bounce, offer, pose, proffer, propound, suggest, vote, put forth, put forward
    related: move, nominate, recommend, present, submit, tender, trot out, file, lay, lodge, arrange, calculate, chart, contrive, cover, frame, map, plan, plot, shape

  2. to have in mind as a purpose or goal

    "we propose to buy a new house within the next year"

    similar: aim, allow (chiefly Southern & Midland), aspire, calculate, contemplate, design, go (chiefly Southern & Midland), intend, look, mean, meditate, plan, purport, purpose, figure on
    related: dream, hope, wish, consider, debate, mull (over), ponder, attempt, endeavor, strive, struggle, try, plot, scheme, accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, perform

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Propose

The most common words with a similar meaning to Propose:

Chiefly Southern & Midland: allow, go
advance, bounce, offer, pose, proffer, propound, suggest, vote, aim, aspire, calculate, contemplate, design, intend, look, mean, meditate, plan, purport, purpose, put forth, put forward, figure on

Related Words for Propose

move, nominate, recommend, present, submit, tender, trot out, file, lay, lodge, arrange, chart, contrive, cover, frame, map, plot, shape, dream, hope, wish, consider, debate, mull (over), ponder, attempt, endeavor, strive, struggle, try

Word Forms of Propose

Inflections: proposed, proposing

Derived words: proposer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Propose

Middle English, from Anglo-French purposer, proposer, from Latin proponere (perfect indicative proposui) propound

First known use: 14th centuryi

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Propose

Words & Phrases Containing Propose

propose a toast, propose marriage

Frequently Asked Questions about Propose

What does "Propose" mean?

"Propose" means to form or put forward a plan or intention. As a verb, it is defined as: to form or put forward a plan or intention. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Propose"?

Other words for "Propose" include advance, bounce, offer, pose, proffer, propound, suggest and vote. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Propose" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Propose"?

There are 61 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Propose". Common alternatives include advance, bounce, offer, pose, proffer, propound, suggest, vote, aim and allow.

How do you use "Propose" in a sentence?

Examples of "Propose" in a sentence: "he proposed that we go for a walk this afternoon"; "we propose to buy a new house within the next year".

Is "Propose" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Propose" is a verb.

Is "Propose" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Propose" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Propose"?

"Propose" is pronounced /prə-ˈpōz/ and divided into syllables as pro·pose.

What is the origin of the word "Propose"?

"Propose" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French purposer, proposer, from Latin proponere (perfect indicative proposui) propound. First known use: 14th centuryi.