suggest
suh-JEHST
Suggest (verb) means to put forward an idea or possibility for consideration. Example: “May I suggest we take a short break before the next meeting?”
verb
1
To put forward an idea or possibility for consideration.
"May I suggest we take a short break before the next meeting?"
"I suggest we leave early to avoid the traffic."
"Can you suggest a good restaurant nearby?"
2
To indicate or imply something without stating it directly.
"The dark clouds suggest that rain is on its way."
"His nervous smile seemed to suggest he had bad news."
"Her silence seemed to suggest she disagreed."
How to use suggest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo propose an idea, or to hint at something.
Common pairings
suggest an idea
suggest that
strongly suggest
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- suggests
- Past tense
- suggested
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
May I _____ we take a short break before the next meeting?
Etymology
From Latin suggerere, "to bring up from below, supply, advise," from sub- ("from below") plus gerere ("to carry").
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “suggest” mean?
The word “suggest” means to put forward an idea or possibility for consideration. In plain terms, to propose an idea, or to hint at something.
How do you pronounce “suggest”?
“Suggest” is pronounced suh-JEHST (/sə(ɡ)ˈd͡ʒɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “suggest” in a sentence?
Here is “suggest” used in a sentence: “I suggest we leave early to avoid the traffic.”
What part of speech is “suggest”?
“Suggest” is a verb.
Where does the word “suggest” come from?
The word “suggest” comes from Latin. From Latin suggerere, "to bring up from below, supply, advise," from sub- ("from below") plus gerere ("to carry").
Is “suggest” a common word?
“Suggest” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “suggest” have?
“Suggest” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to put forward an idea or possibility for consideration.
What is the difference between 'suggest' and 'recommend'?
Both put forward an idea, but with different force. 'Suggest' offers a possibility gently, leaving it open, as in 'I suggest we wait.' 'Recommend' endorses something more strongly as the best option, often backed by knowledge, as in 'I recommend this doctor.' Suggesting invites consideration; recommending gives clear advice you're expected to follow.
What is the difference between 'suggest' and 'imply'?
When you 'suggest' something directly, you propose it openly for consideration. But 'suggest' can also mean to hint, overlapping with 'imply' — to convey a meaning without stating it. The difference is intent and directness: proposing an idea is deliberate and clear, while implying leaves the listener to read between the lines.
What is an example of 'suggest' in a sentence?
You might say, 'I suggest we meet on Friday instead,' offering an idea for the group to consider. Other examples include 'The results suggest a link between the two,' where it means to indicate, and 'Can you suggest a good book?' Each puts forward a possibility rather than demanding it.
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