verb (used with object), pro·posed, pro·pos·ing.
- to offer or suggest (a matter, subject, case, etc.) for consideration, acceptance, or action: to propose a new method.
- to offer (a toast).
- to suggest: He proposed that a messenger be sent.
- to present or nominate (a person) for some position, office, membership, etc.
- to put before oneself as something to be done; design; intend.
- to present to the mind or attention; state.
- to propound (a question, riddle, etc.).
verb (used without object), pro·posed, pro·pos·ing.
- to make an offer or suggestion, especially of marriage.
- to form or consider a purpose or design.
verb
- (when tr, may take a clause as object) to put forward (a plan, motion, etc) for consideration or action
- (tr) to nominate, as for a position
- (tr) to plan or intend (to do something)I propose to leave town now
- (tr) to announce the drinking of (a toast) to (the health of someone, etc)
- (intr often foll by to) to make an offer of marriage (to someone)
mid-14c., from Old French proposer “propose, advance, suggest” (12c.), from pro- “forth” (see pro-) + poser “put, place” (see pose (v.1)). Meaning “make an offer of marriage” is first recorded 1764. Related: Proposed; proposing. Cf. also propone, which coexisted with this word for a time.