propose

Propose is a verb with several related senses centered on presenting something for consideration or action. It can mean to put forward a plan, idea, or course of action for discussion; to intend or plan to do something; to offer something for acceptance; or to mention a possibility or option. For example, a committee may propose a new policy, a person may propose to move to a new city, or someone may propose a trade agreement. In personal contexts, it can also mean to propose marriage.

Grammar and usage patterns vary by sense. Propose can take a to-infinitive: "I propose to leave at noon." It can also take a gerund or -ing clause: "They proposed changing the timetable." In formal writing, it may introduce a that-clause expressing a recommendation or requirement, often with a subjunctive: "The board proposed that the policy be adopted" or with should: "that the policy should be adopted." Propose can also take a direct object when the sense is presenting an offer to a person: "She proposed to him." The related noun forms are proposal (a plan or suggestion put forward) and proposition (a statement or proposal, sometimes with legal or mathematical nuance).

Etymology and cognates: propose derives from the Latin proponere, meaning "to put forward," formed from pro- 'forward' and ponere 'to place.' It entered English via Old French proposer, with the modern form established in Middle English.

Usage notes: Propose is generally more formal than suggest and is common in business, politics, law, and formal writing. It emphasizes presenting or intending something rather than merely recommending it, though context determines the precise shade of meaning.