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noun C2 Proficient Common

proposition

prah-puh-ZIH-shuhn

Proposition (noun) means a suggestion or offer put forward for consideration, especially a business plan or deal. Example: “He made her a business proposition she found hard to refuse.”

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."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for proposition

See all rhymes for proposition →

Frequently asked questions

What does “proposition” mean?

The word “proposition” means a suggestion or offer put forward for consideration, especially a business plan or deal. In plain terms, an offer or suggestion put forward for consideration; in logic and math, a statement that's either true or false.

How do you pronounce “proposition”?

“Proposition” is pronounced prah-puh-ZIH-shuhn (/ˌpɹɑpəˈzɪʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “proposition” in a sentence?

Here is “proposition” used in a sentence: “He made her a business proposition she found hard to refuse.”

What is another word for “proposition”?

Words with a similar meaning to “proposition” include make a pass.

What part of speech is “proposition”?

Depending on how it is used, “proposition” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “proposition” come from?

The word “proposition” comes from Latin. From Latin propositio, from the verb proponere ("to put forward"), the same root as "propose.".

Is “proposition” a common word?

“Proposition” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “proposition” have?

“Proposition” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a suggestion or offer put forward for consideration, especially a business plan or deal.

What is the difference between a proposition and a proposal?

Proposition and proposal are close synonyms for a suggestion or offer put forward for consideration, especially in business contexts. Proposition is also used in logic and philosophy for a statement that can be judged true or false, a technical sense proposal does not share.

What is a proposition in logic or philosophy?

In logic, a proposition is a statement that can be judged as either true or false, forming the basic unit of reasoning in logical arguments. This is distinct from its everyday use describing a business plan or offer.

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