suggérer

Suggérer is a French verb meaning to propose or to put forward as a possibility, often in a non-imposing way. It is transitive and typically used with a direct object, such as a plan, idea, or solution, and with an indirect object indicating to whom the suggestion is addressed. Common constructions include suggestions with an infinitive clause, for example: Je te suggère de partir, Nous vous suggérons d’examiner ces chiffres, or Elle m’a suggéré de lui parler.

Conjugation and forms: Suggérer is a regular -er verb with some usual spelling adjustments in certain forms. Present tense forms are je suggère, tu suggères, il/elle suggère, nous suggérons, vous suggérez, ils/elles suggèrent. The imperative forms are suggère, suggérons, suggérez. The past participle is suggéré, used with auxiliary être or avoir in compound tenses depending on the construction, for example j’ai suggéré. The imperfect is suggérais, subjunctive forms follow the standard patterns of -er verbs.

Etymology: The verb comes from Old French suggérer, from Latin suggerere meaning “to bring up, to hint at.” The Latin form is connected with sub- (under) and gerere (to bear, carry), with the figurative sense evolving toward presenting or prompting an idea.

Usage notes: Suggérer conveys a milder or more indirect notion than proposer or recommander. It often implies an option or gentle guidance rather than a firm prescription. The construction with à quelqu’un (suggérer quelque chose à quelqu’un) or with an infinitive (suggérer de faire quelque chose) is common, and the noun form suggesting a related concept is la suggestion.

See also: suggestion, proposer, recommander.