proposition

word

/ˌpɹɑpəˈzɪʃən/
prah-puh-ZI-shuhn
/pɹˌɒpəzˈɪʃən/
prop-uh-ZI-shuhn

Definition

A proposition is a formal suggestion, plan, or offer for people to consider. It can also mean a statement or idea, especially in logic or academic contexts, that can be discussed or judged as true or false.

Usage & Nuances

Often sounds formal and is common in business, law, philosophy, and academic writing. In everyday English, people more often say 'proposal', 'offer', or 'idea'. It can also appear in the phrase 'a business proposition', and in older or contextual use it may mean a suggestive offer.

Example Sentences

The company rejected our proposition.

basic

His proposition was easy to understand.

basic

She made a proposition at the meeting.

basic

At first, the whole proposition sounded risky, but the numbers made sense.

natural

It’s a simple proposition: lower prices, more customers.

natural

To be honest, that sounds less like a plan and more like a weird proposition.

natural