Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Propose
Pro-pose′
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Proposed
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Proposing
.] 1.
To set forth.
[Obs.]
That being
proposed
brimfull of wine, one scarce could lift it up. Chapman.
2.
To offer for consideration, discussion, acceptance, or adoption;
as, to
propose
terms of peace; to propose
a question for discussion; to propose
an alliance; to propose
a person for office.3.
To set before one’s self or others as a purpose formed; hence, to purpose; to intend.
I
propose
to relate, in several volumes, the history of the people of New England. Palfrey.
To propose to one's self
, to intend; to design.
Pro-pose′
,Verb.
I.
1.
To speak; to converse.
[Obs.]
There shalt thou find my cousin Beatrice,
Proposing
with the prince and Claudio. Shakespeare
2.
To form or declare a purpose or intention; to lay a scheme; to design;
as, man
. proposes
, but God disposes3.
To offer one's self in marriage.
Webster 1828 Edition
Propose
PROPO'SE
,Verb.
T.
1.
To offer for consideration, discussion, acceptance or adoption; as, to propose a bill or resolve to a legislative body; to propose terms of peach; to propose a question or subject for discussion; to propose an alliance by treaty or marriage; to propose alterations or amendments in a law.2.
To offer or present for consideration. In learning any thing, as little as possible should be proposed to the mind at first.
To propose to one's self, to intend; to design; to form a design in the mind.
PROPO'SE
,Verb.
I.
[Propose is often used for purpose; as I propose to ride to New York to-morrow. Purpose and propose are different forms of the same word.]
Definition 2024
propose
propose
See also: proposé
English
Verb
propose (third-person singular simple present proposes, present participle proposing, simple past and past participle proposed)
- (transitive) To suggest a plan, course of action, etc.
- I propose going to see a film.
- to propose an alliance; to propose a question for discussion
- (intransitive, sometimes followed by to) To ask for a person's hand in marriage.
- He proposed to her last night and she accepted him.
- (transitive) To intend.
- He proposes to set up his own business.
- 1859, John Gorham Palfrey, History of New England, Preface (Google preview):
- I propose to relate, in several volumes, the history of the people of New England.
- 2013 August 16, John Vidal, “Dams endanger ecology of Himalayas”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 10, page 8:
- Many of the proposed dams would be among the tallest in the world.
- (obsolete) To talk; to converse.
- 1599, William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing, Act 3 Scene 1:
- HERO. Good Margaret, run thee to the parlour;
- There shalt thou find my cousin Beatrice
- Proposing with the prince and Claudio
- 1599, William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing, Act 3 Scene 1:
- (obsolete) To set forth.
- 1616, George Chapman (translator), Homer's Iliad, book 11:
- . . . so weighty was the cup,
- That being propos'd brimful of wine, one scarce could lift it up.
- 1616, George Chapman (translator), Homer's Iliad, book 11:
Usage notes
- In use 1. this is sometimes a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing).
- In use 3, this is a catenative verb that takes the to infinitive.
- For more information, see Appendix:English catenative verbs
- Compared to to suggest, to propose is more deliberate and definite. To suggest is merely to mention, while to propose is to have a definite plan and intention.
Synonyms
- (?): forthput
Related terms
Translations
to suggest a plan or course of action
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to ask for one's hand in marriage
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to intend
Noun
propose (plural proposes)
- (obsolete) An objective or aim.
- 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essayes, London: Edward Blount, OCLC 946730821, II.17:
- whose aime hath beene to make us not good and wittie, but wise and learned; She hath attained her propose.
- 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essayes, London: Edward Blount, OCLC 946730821, II.17: