Etymology From Middle English proposen, from Anglo-Norman proposer (verb), propos (noun), Middle French proposer (verb), propos (noun), from Latin prōpōnō, prōpōnere, with conjugation altered based on poser. Doublet of propound.
1
To suggest a plan, course of action, etc.
I propose going to see a film.
to propose an alliance
3 more examples
to propose a question for discussion
“The Budget proposes eliminating Supporting Effective Instruction (SEI) State Grants (Title II State grants), a program that provides formula funds to States to improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other schools leaders. SEI grants are poorly targeted and funds are spread too thinly to have a meaningful impact on student outcomes.2017 May 23, Gregory Krieg and Will Mullery, “Trump’s budget by the numbers: What gets cut and why”, in CNN:
President Moon Jae-in proposed the plan this week during a meeting with government officials, his spokesman said.2019, VOA Learning English (public domain)
2
Sometimes, With to To ask for a person's hand in marriage.
He proposed to her last night and she accepted him.
After the death of his [Verney's] first wife, he proposed to Florence Nightingale but she refused him. Later he married her sister, and for many years Claydon was Miss Nightingale's second home.1960 March 23, N. Caplan, “The Railway Member of Parliament”, in Railway Magazine, page 208:
3
To intend.
He proposes to set up his own business.
I propose to relate, in several volumes, the history of the people of New England.1859, John Gorham Palfrey, History of New England, Preface (Google preview):
1 more example
Many of the proposed dams would be among the tallest in the world.2013 August 16, John Vidal, “Dams endanger ecology of Himalayas”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 10, page 8:
HERO. Good Margaret, run thee to the parlour; There shalt thou find my cousin Beatrice Proposing with the prince and Claudio1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “Much Adoe about Nothing”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene i]:
[…]so weighty was the cup, That being propos'd brimful of wine, one scarce could lift it up.[1611?], Homer, “Book XI”, in Geo[rge] Chapman, transl., The Iliads of Homer Prince of Poets. […], London: […] Nathaniell Butter, →OCLC; republished as The Iliads of Homer, Prince of Poets, […], new edition, volume I, London: Charles Knight and Co., […], 1843, →OCLC:
Etymology From Middle English proposen, from Anglo-Norman proposer (verb), propos (noun), Middle French proposer (verb), propos (noun), from Latin prōpōnō, prōpōnere, with conjugation altered based on poser. Doublet of propound.
whose aime hath beene to make us not good and wittie, but wise and learned; She hath attained her propose.1603, Michel de Montaigne, chapter 17, in John Florio, transl., The Essayes […], book II, London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], →OCLC: