The term “propose” means to suggest or put forward an idea, plan, or action for consideration or discussion. It’s like offering an idea or a solution to a problem, or asking someone to marry you. It’s basically presenting something for others to think about or decide on.
Table of contents:
- Meaning and definition of propose
- What are the grammatical uses of propose?
- What are the other grammatical forms of propose?
- How to pronounce propose?
- Synonyms and antonyms of propose
- How to use propose in spoken English?
- Examples of propose from web articles
Meaning and definition of propose
1. To suggest or offer a plan or idea: When you propose something, you’re putting forward an idea or suggestion for consideration. For example, you might propose a new game to play with your friends.
- “I propose we go to the park for a picnic this weekend.”
2. To ask someone to marry you: When you propose to someone, you’re asking them to become your spouse. For instance, if you give your partner a ring and ask them to marry you, you’re proposing marriage.
- “He proposed to his girlfriend by the beach at sunset, with a beautiful ring.”
3. To intend or plan to do something: When you propose to do something, you’re expressing your intention or plan to carry out a particular action. For example, if you propose to study for your exams, it means you’re planning to spend time studying.
- “I propose to finish my homework before dinner so I can relax afterward.”
4. To nominate or suggest someone for a position or role: When you propose someone for a role, you’re recommending or suggesting them as a suitable candidate. For instance, you might propose your friend for the position of class president because you think they would do a great job.
- “She proposed her colleague for the project leader because of his excellent leadership skills.”
5. To make a formal offer or suggestion: When you propose formally, it often involves making an official or serious offer or suggestion. For example, in a business meeting, you might propose a new strategy for increasing sales.
- “During the meeting, I propose we allocate more resources to marketing to increase our customer base.”
What are the grammatical uses of propose?
1. Verb (Action Word): When “propose” is used as a verb, it shows an action, such as suggesting something, offering a plan, or asking someone to marry you.
- Example: “I propose a new idea for our science project.”
2. Noun (Naming Word): “Proposal” is the noun form of “propose.” It refers to the idea or plan suggested by someone.
- Example: “She made a proposal to improve recycling in our community.”
3. Adjective (Describing Word): “Proposed” is the adjective form of “propose.” It describes something that has been suggested or offered but hasn’t been decided on yet.
- Example: “The proposed changes to the schedule haven’t been finalized.”
What are the other grammatical forms of propose?
1. Proposed (Adjective): “Proposed” is used to describe something that has been suggested or offered for consideration but has not yet been agreed upon or finalized.
- Example: “The proposed changes to the school curriculum are under review by the board.”
2. Proposer (Noun): “Proposer” refers to the person who suggests or offers an idea, plan, or proposal.
- Example: “The proposer of the new initiative presented their ideas at the meeting.”
3. Proposition (Noun): “Proposition” is a related term that refers to a statement or idea presented for consideration or discussion.
- Example: “The professor put forward a challenging proposition for the class to debate.”
How to pronounce propose?
“Propose” is pronounced like this: “pruh-POHZ.”
Here’s a breakdown to help you:
- “pruh”: The first syllable sounds like “pruh.” It’s short and quick.
- “POHZ”: The second syllable is emphasized, and it sounds like “POHZ.” It’s a bit longer and louder than the first syllable.
When you say it together, it sounds like “pruh-POHZ.” Try saying it slowly at first, then gradually speed up until it feels comfortable.
Synonyms and antonyms of propose
- Meaning: To suggest or offer a plan or idea
- Synonyms: suggest, recommend, advocate, propose, advance
- Antonyms: oppose, reject, discourage, dissuade, oppose
- Meaning: To ask someone to marry you
- Synonyms: ask for one’s hand, propose marriage, pop the question, make a proposal
- Antonyms: refuse, decline, reject, break off
- Meaning: To intend or plan to do something
- Synonyms: intend, plan, aim, purpose, aspire
- Antonyms: abandon, give up, relinquish, surrender, quit
- Meaning: To nominate or suggest someone for a position or role
- Synonyms: nominate, recommend, suggest, put forward, propose
- Antonyms: oppose, reject, disapprove, discredit, veto
- Meaning: To make a formal offer or suggestion
- Synonyms: suggest, offer, recommend, propose, present
- Antonyms: withdraw, retract, rescind, cancel, revoke
How to use propose in spoken English?
Here are some examples of using “propose” in spoken English, along with some tips:
- Casual Suggestion: “Hey, I propose we grab some pizza for lunch today. What do you think?”
- Tip: Use “propose” in everyday conversations to suggest activities, plans, or decisions among friends or colleagues.
- Problem-solving: “Let’s propose a compromise to resolve this disagreement and move forward together.”
- Tip: When faced with conflicts or disagreements, proposing compromises or solutions can help find common ground.
- Brainstorming: “During our meeting, let’s propose some creative ideas for our next project.”
- Tip: Use “propose” when discussing brainstorming sessions or idea generation, highlighting active participation and contribution.
- Community Involvement: “We can propose a community clean-up event to help improve our neighborhood.”
- Tip: Proposing community initiatives or projects demonstrates proactive involvement and leadership skills.
- Planning Social Events: “I propose we organize a movie night for our friends next weekend.”
- Tip: Use “propose” when suggesting or planning social gatherings, events, or outings with friends or family.
- Solving a Puzzle or Riddle: “To solve this riddle, I propose we approach it from a different angle.”
- Tip: Use “propose” in contexts involving problem-solving, critical thinking, or strategic planning.
Remember these tips:
- Be confident and clear in your suggestions or ideas,
- be open to feedback or discussion from others
- vary your vocabulary to keep your speech engaging and dynamic.
Some more examples:
- I propose we start a book club to discuss our favorite novels.
- Why don’t we propose a new color scheme for the office?
- Let’s propose a toast to the newlyweds!
- She proposed a budget-friendly travel itinerary for our vacation.
- We can propose a change in the company’s policy during the next board meeting.
- He proposed a partnership with another company to expand our market reach.
- Let’s propose a team-building activity for our department.
- She proposed a resolution to address the environmental concerns in our community.
- Why not propose a new rule for our game to make it more interesting?
- I propose we take a different approach to solving this problem.
Examples of propose from web articles
Let’s break down the below examples and explore how propose is used in each sentence:
Example 1: The government is likely to propose a penalty of up to ₹500 crore for violating provisions of the Digital India Bill. [The Hindu]
Here, “propose” is used to indicate that the government is considering or suggesting the imposition of a penalty for violating provisions of the Digital India Bill. It shows the action of putting forward or suggesting an idea or plan.
Example 2: Under the proposed Bill, the Centre may authorise any government agency to monitor and collect traffic data generated, transmitted, received or stored in any digital system to enhance cyber security. [The Hindu]
In this sentence, “proposed” is the past participle form of “propose,” indicating that the Bill has been suggested or put forward for consideration. It describes the state of the Bill as being in the process of being suggested or considered.
Example 3: The Kerala Women’s Commission will propose steps to the State government to solve problems in unaided schools, Chairperson P. Satheedevi has said. [The Hindu]
Here, “propose” is used to indicate that the Kerala Women’s Commission will suggest or put forward steps to the State government to address issues in unaided schools. It shows the action of making a suggestion or recommendation.
Example 4: You may use anyone of the lines to propose to your loved one and make her feel blissful. [Medium]
In this sentence, “propose” is used to suggest asking someone to marry you. It indicates the action of making a marriage proposal.
Example 5: I do hope you will enjoy these beautiful lines to propose to a gorgeous girl and make it a memory forever. [Medium]
Similar to the previous example, “propose” is used to indicate the action of asking someone to marry you, in this case, using romantic lines or gestures to make the proposal memorable.
Example 6: They are also a creative way to propose! [Medium]
Again, “propose” is used to indicate the action of asking someone to marry you, in this case, emphasizing that the lines or gestures mentioned are creative methods of proposing marriage.
Example 7: When you propose you need to hear an answer. An answer which holds the power to break your heart at seams. [Quora]
Here, “propose” is used to indicate the action of asking someone to marry you. It highlights the significance of receiving a response to the proposal, which can have a profound emotional impact.
Example 8: If I ever fall in love I hope he proposes me because I have always been this big bollywood movie proposal scenes fan. [Quora]
Once more, “propose” is used to indicate the action of asking someone to marry you, expressing a personal desire to experience a romantic proposal similar to those depicted in Bollywood movies.
In all of these examples, the word “propose” is used as a verb, indicating an action or intention.
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