pro‧pose S2 W2 / prəpəʊz $ -poʊz / 动词

1 suggest [及物动词] formal to suggest something as a plan or course of action → proposal :

the changes currently proposed by the local planning authorities

the proposed budget cuts

propose that

In his speech he proposed that the UN should set up an emergency centre for the environment.

propose doing something

The report also proposes extending the motorway. ► Do not say ‘propose someone something’. Say propose something : He proposed a compromise (NOT He proposed me a compromise).

Register

In everyday English, people usually say that someone puts forward plans, ideas etc, rather than proposes them:

The idea was first put forward by a German scientist.

2 meeting [及物动词] to formally suggest a course of action at a meeting and ask people to vote on it

propose a motion/amendment/resolution etc

The resolution was proposed by the chairman of the International Committee.

propose somebody for something

Mr Leesom proposed Mrs Banks for the position of Treasurer (= he suggested formally that she should be the treasurer ) .

3 theory [及物动词] to suggest an idea, method etc as an answer to a scientific question or as a better way of doing something :

A number of theories have been proposed to explain the phenomenon.

4 intend [及物动词] formal to intend to do something

propose to do something

How does he propose to deal with the situation?

propose doing something

We still don’t know how the company proposes raising the money.

5 marriage

a) [不及物动词] to ask someone to marry you, especially in a formal way

propose to

Shaun proposed to me only six months after we met.

b) propose marriage formal to ask someone to marry you

6 propose a toast (to somebody) to formally ask a group of people at a social event to join you in wishing someone success, happiness, etc as they raise and drink a glass of wine :

I’d like to propose a toast to the bride and groom.

THESAURUS

suggest to tell someone your ideas about what they should do : ‘Why don’t you come with us?’, Alan suggested. | It was a sunny afternoon and so I suggested going to the beach.

recommend to suggest that someone goes somewhere, tries something etc because you know that it is good and you think they will like it : Can you recommend a good restaurant near here? | It’s a brilliant book - I’d recommend it to anyone.

propose formal to formally suggest a plan or course of action, especially at a meeting : The government has proposed building a new town just north of the city. | I propose that we send a delegation to London to discuss our concerns.

put forward to suggest an idea, plan, reason etc : The party has put forward new proposals to reduce the number of cars in the town centre. | The idea was first put forward by Aristotle. | A number of reasons have been put forward to explain these negative results.

nominate to officially suggest someone for an important job or position, or a person, film etc for a prize, especially when people will vote to make a decision : He’s been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature several times. | Three candidates have been nominated for the position of chairman.