proposed

Proposed is the past participle form of the verb propose and functions as an adjective meaning something that has been suggested or brought forward for consideration but has not yet been approved or adopted. In this sense, a proposed plan, policy, solution, or measure is one that has been offered for discussion and may require evaluation, modification, or formal endorsement before becoming official.

Etymology and related forms: The word derives from Latin proponere, meaning “to put forth,” through the history of English via Old French proposer. The related noun is proposal, and related verbs include propose and proposition. In usage, proposed describes items that are in the stage between idea and approval, as opposed to approved or rejected.

Usage and contexts: In legal, governmental, and organizational contexts, proposed often accompanies terms like legislation, amendments, budgets, or regulations to indicate they have not yet been enacted. In academic and technical writing, a proposed method, design, or solution is one that has been suggested by researchers or practitioners and is subject to testing or further validation. The word conveys deliberation and the potential for change, rather than finality.

Examples: The council discussed the proposed zoning changes. The committee rejected the proposed budget for being underfunded. A proposed methodology was outlined in the research paper for future testing.

See also: propose, proposal, proposition.