Proposition
/ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən/
Definitions
4 meaningsA plan or suggestion, especially one formally presented for consideration or acceptance.
/ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən/
A suggested plan or idea, especially in a business or political context.
The chairman of the board made a compelling proposition for the merger.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have an awesome idea, like a new flavor of ice cream, and you tell your teacher. That's a proposition – a suggestion!
👶 For kids: A proposition is like a plan or an idea that someone suggests.
More Examples
The politician put forth a proposition to lower taxes.
After much discussion, they accepted his proposition.
How It's Used
"The company presented a proposition for a new marketing strategy."
"The voters will decide on the proposition in the upcoming election."
A statement or assertion that expresses a judgment or opinion.
/ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən/
The logic puzzle required the evaluation of several propositions.
💡 Simply: It's like saying something you believe is true, like 'The sky is blue.' But for smart people, it can get way more complicated!
👶 For kids: A proposition is something that someone says they think is true.
More Examples
The scientist formulated a proposition based on her research.
He challenged the validity of her proposition.
How It's Used
"The philosopher debated the validity of the proposition."
"The proposition was proven false through rigorous testing."
An offer of marriage.
/ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən/
He nervously made a proposition to her on bended knee.
💡 Simply: When someone pops the question and says 'Will you marry me?' that's a proposition. It's a very special offer!
👶 For kids: If someone asks you to marry them, that's a proposition.
More Examples
She accepted his proposition with tears of joy.
After dating for many years, he finally made a marriage proposition.
How It's Used
"He finally made a proposition to his girlfriend after five years of dating."
To suggest a plan or idea; to put forward for consideration.
/ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən/
To suggest a plan or idea.
The manager propositioned a new solution to the problem.
💡 Simply: To suggest or put forward something. Like suggesting a game to play or to someone.
👶 For kids: To proposition is to offer an idea to others to consider.
More Examples
The company propositioned an innovative marketing campaign.
He propositioned a new strategy to increase profits.
How It's Used
"The CEO propositioned a new business strategy."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
make a proposition
To formally suggest a plan or idea.
"The company decided to make a proposition to their investors."
a marriage proposition
An offer of marriage.
"She happily accepted his marriage proposition."
From Middle French *proposition*, from Latin *prōpositiō* ("a statement, a design"), from *prōpōnere* ("to set forth, propose").
The word has been used since the 14th century, initially to describe a declaration or a statement. It later evolved to include the sense of offering a plan or proposal.
Memory tip
Think of a professor making a proposition for a research project.
Word Origin
"to put forth, propose"