Definition of: propose

(prə·pōz′) v. ·posed, ·pos·ing v.t.
1. To put forward for acceptance or consideration.
2. To nominate, as for admission or appointment.
3. To intend; purpose.
4. To suggest the drinking of (a toast or health).
—v.i.
5. To form or announce a plan or design.
6. To make an offer, as of marriage. [<OF proposer <pro- forth (<L) + poser. See POSE¹.]
—pro·pos′er noun Synonym: purpose. In its most frequent use, propose differs from purpose in that what we purpose lies in our own mind as a decisive act of will, a determination; what we propose is offered or stated to others. In this use of the word, what we propose is open to deliberation, as what we purpose is not. In another use of the word one proposes something to or by himself which may or may not be stated to others. In this latter sense propose is nearly identical with purpose. See PLAN, PURPOSE.