propose
gb/pɹəpˈoʊz/ us/pɹəpˈoʊz/
A2
English
~ 1600
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
suggest a plan or idea
To say an idea or plan so other people can think about it.
Usage pattern:
to propose [something] to [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'propose' with 'purpose' due to similar spelling.
Synonyms
suggest (More casual and general; 'propose' can be more formal or structured.)
Antonyms
reject (Means to refuse to accept a plan or idea.)
Collocations
propose a plan
|propose a solution
|propose changes
|propose legislation
Themes
communication
|business
|daily life
|education
|work
Examples
- The committee will propose several changes to the current policy.
- She proposed a new way to increase sales.
- They proposed building a park in the empty lot.
- I propose that we take a short break.
- The senator proposed an amendment to the bill.
Learner examples
- I propose a new game for us to play.
- She proposed going to the park.
- He proposed a new idea for the project.
- They proposed changes to the rules.
- We propose starting the meeting earlier.
Verb
A2
action
2
ask someone to marry you
To ask someone if they want to marry you.
Usage pattern:
to propose to [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes forget the preposition 'to' in 'propose to someone'.
Synonyms
pop the question (Informal idiom for asking someone to marry you.)
Antonyms
break up (Ending a romantic relationship, opposite of moving toward marriage.)
Collocations
propose marriage
|propose to her
|propose in public
Themes
relationships
|emotions
|daily_life
Examples
- He proposed to her during their vacation in Paris.
- She was shocked when he proposed at dinner.
- John finally proposed after five years of dating.
- They got engaged after he proposed last month.
Learner examples
- He proposed to her last night.
- She cried when he proposed.
- I want to propose to my girlfriend.
- He proposed in front of his family.
Verb
formal
B2
action
3
formally suggest in official setting
To officially suggest something at a meeting or for an election.
Usage pattern:
to propose [motion/candidate] for [position/action]
Synonyms
nominate (Specifically means suggesting someone for a position or honor.)
Antonyms
oppose (To actively disagree with or resist a proposal.)
Collocations
propose a motion
|propose a candidate
|propose a toast
Themes
politics
|business
|law
|communication
Examples
- The chairman proposed a motion to adjourn the meeting.
- She proposed Mr. Smith as treasurer of the board.
- I would like to propose a toast to our success.
Learner examples
- He proposed a motion in the meeting.
- She proposed her friend for president.
- I will propose a toast at dinner.
Grammar
Dictionary form
propose
IPA
GB/pɹəpˈoʊz/
US/pɹəpˈoʊz/
Syllables & stress
pro - pose (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pose)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: propose
- 3rd Person Singular: proposes
- Present Participle: proposing
- Past: proposed
Word family
Forms
proposes
verb
proposing
verb
proposed
verb
Core family
proposal
noun B1
Related words
proposer
noun
proposition
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
oppose
verb B1
Advanced or less common
proponent
noun B2
Expressions
pop the question
1/pˈɑp ðə kwˈɛst͡ʃən/
idiom
informal
Propose marriage to someone
To ask someone if they want to marry you.
Examples
- He finally popped the question after seven years together.
- He finally popped the question after five years together.
- She knew he was going to pop the question during their holiday.
- She was surprised when he popped the question during dinner.
propose a toast
1/pɹəpˈoʊz ə tˈoʊst/
fixed phrase
formal
formally ask to start a toast
To formally ask everyone to lift their drinks so you can say a few words for someone.
Examples
- May I propose a toast to the bride and groom?
- He proposed a toast to the winners of the prize.
- The host proposed a toast to their long friendship.
propose a toast
2/pɹəpˈoʊz ə tˈoʊst/
fixed phrase
offer good wishes before drinking
To say something nice about a person or event before everyone drinks together.
Examples
- Before we eat, I'd like to propose a toast to our hosts.
- He stood up and proposed a toast to friendship.