propose

verb

1 PLAN (T) formal to suggest something as a plan or course of action: Lyle proposed large cuts in the training budget. | propose that: Hansen has proposed that I become his business partner. | the proposed budget cuts

2 AT A MEETING (T) to formally suggest a course of action at a meeting and ask people to vote on it: I propose the admission of Peter King as a new member. | propose a motion (=formally suggest a plan at a meeting) | propose sb (=formally suggest someone for an official position): Mrs Banks has been proposed for the position of Treasurer.

3 THEORY (T) to suggest an idea, method etc as an answer to a scientific question or as a better way of doing something: His theory proposes the existence of black holes in the universe.

4 MARRIAGE

a) (I) to ask someone to marry you, especially in a formal way

(+ to): Shaun proposed to me only six months after we met.

b) propose marriage formal to ask someone to marry you

5 propose a toast to sb also propose sb's health to formally ask a group of people at a social event to join you in wishing someone success, happiness, etc, while raising a glass of wine and then drinking from it

6 INTEND (T) formal to intend to do something: propose to do sth: How do you propose to explain your long absence? | propose doing sth: Just how do you propose paying for all this?

— proposer noun (C) USAGE NOTE: PROPOSE WORD CHOICE: propose, intend, suggest, proposal, suggestion, let's, why don't we Propose followed by the to form of a verb is a more formal way of saying you intend to do something: What are you proposing to do with that old car of yours? Propose followed by a noun means that you are formally suggesting something should be considered: propose a motion/solution/course of action etc Propose followed by a that clause has a similar meaning to suggest: I propose/suggest that we buy a new car (=I think that this is what we should do) Propose followed by the ing form of a verb may have either of the above senses. The difference between suggest and propose is that propose is more formal and often means that you have already thought about what you are proposing. But you may suggest an idea without a lot of careful thought: At the meeting conservationists proposed a different route for the highway. | As we came out of the theater, Jean suggested a Chinese meal. With similar differences you can also make a proposal or a suggestion: the committee's proposal to raise local taxes | George's suggestion that we go skating tonight In spoken English people do not usually say I suggest that but rather Let's or Why don't we?: Let's go for a Chinese meal. | Why don't we get a new car? GRAMMAR You propose or suggest something always to someone: He proposed a business deal to her (NOT He proposed her a business deal or He proposed her to a business deal). Also you would say: I suggested to her that we go to the disco (NOT I suggested her that we go to the disco). Suggest is not used with the to form of the verb: He suggested leaving/that we leave (NOT He suggested to leave).