Suggest

/səˈdʒest/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To put forward an idea or plan for consideration or discussion by another person or group.

/səˈdʒest/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To propose for consideration

I suggest we order pizza for dinner.

💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is planning a party. You're suggesting a fun theme, like a superhero party! You're giving them an idea.

👶 For kids: To give someone an idea.

More Examples

2

The architect suggested a new design for the building.

3

Can you suggest a good book to read?

How It's Used

General

"I suggest we start the meeting now."

Business

"The consultant suggested several changes to improve efficiency."

2

To evoke a thought, feeling, or idea without stating it directly; to imply.

/səˈdʒest/

verbneutralmedium
Emotion

To hint or imply

The evidence suggested the suspect was lying.

💡 Simply: It's like when you see your friend wearing a fancy outfit. You *suggest* they might be going somewhere special without them having to tell you.

👶 For kids: To give a hint.

More Examples

2

His tone suggested he was annoyed.

3

The painting suggested a sense of tranquility.

How It's Used

Literary

"Her smile suggested a secret she wouldn't share."

Psychology

"The therapist's questions were designed to suggest a potential underlying cause."

Tip:Picture a detective subtly dropping clues to hint at the culprit – they are suggesting something!

Idioms & expressions

suggest doing something

To propose or recommend an action or activity.

"I suggest doing something fun like going to the beach."

suggest that

To propose or recommend a belief, idea, or course of action.

"The evidence suggests that the defendant is guilty."

From Latin *suggerere* ('to bring up, supply, or hint'), from *sub* ('under') + *gerere* ('to carry, bear').

The word 'suggest' appeared in English around the late 15th century. It's roots are in legal and business environments relating to suggestions for actions or events.

Memory tip

Imagine you're whispering a helpful idea into someone's ear – you're suggesting!

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to bring up, supply, or hint"

suggest a solutionsuggest an ideasuggest doing somethingsuggest thatsuggest a changesuggest the best

Common misspellings

sugestsugesttsugjess

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written