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noun

proposition

prah-puh-ZIH-shuhn
noun
1
A suggestion or offer put forward for consideration, especially a business plan or deal.
"He made her a business proposition she found hard to refuse."
2
A statement that can be judged as true or false.
"The mathematician proved the proposition using a simple diagram."
verb
1
To suggest something to someone, especially a sexual encounter.
"He was fired after propositioning a coworker at the party."

How to Use Proposition

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn offer or suggestion put forward for consideration; in logic and math, a statement that's either true or false.

Common mistake

As a verb, "proposition" usually implies a sexual advance, unlike the more neutral verb "propose."

Common pairings
business proposition a tempting proposition logical proposition

Word Forms

propositioned past tense, propositions singular

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He made her a business _____ she found hard to refuse.

Etymology

From Latin propositio, from the verb proponere ("to put forward"), the same root as "propose."

Rhymes for proposition

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