proposal

proposal — noun

1. A plan or idea that someone puts forward in a formal or official setting so that

1.nounB2
Definition

A plan or idea that someone puts forward in a formal or official setting so that a group can discuss it and decide whether to accept it.

Example

The board will vote on Shanti's proposal to open a new branch in Hanoi.

proposal + to-infinitive for a planned action

Felipe submitted a detailed proposal for a city-wide recycling programme.

proposal + for + noun phrase

Common collocations
  • submit a proposal
  • put forward a proposal
  • vote on a proposal
  • reject a proposal
  • approve a proposal
  • draft a proposal
  • proposal to do something
  • proposal for something
  • proposal that someone do something
Synonyms
  • suggestion

    less formal; can be a quick or brief idea rather than a detailed plan

  • plan

    more concrete and detailed; may already have steps for execution

  • motion

    used specifically in formal meetings or parliamentary procedure; voted on directly

  • offer

    emphasises willingness to give or do something; often used in business deals

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

proposal + to-infinitive (proposal to do something)

proposal + that-clause (proposal that someone do something)

proposal + for + noun phrase (proposal for something)

Usage Note

Frequently followed by a that-clause — in formal English, the verb in the clause often uses the subjunctive form (e.g., 'proposal that the company invest'). The British English alternative 'proposal that the company should invest' is also common.

Common Mistakes

He made a propose to change the working hours.
He made a proposal to change the working hours.
'Proposal' is a noun; 'propose' is the verb form.

2. An act of asking someone to become your husband or wife, often done in a formal

2.nounB1
Definition

An act of asking someone to become your husband or wife, often done in a formal or romantic way and usually with an engagement ring.

Example

Roya said yes when Emre made her romantic proposal at sunset.

make a marriage proposal

Talia's surprise proposal at the restaurant left Abigail completely speechless.

Common collocations
  • make a proposal
  • accept a proposal
  • turn down a proposal
  • marriage proposal
  • proposal of marriage
Synonyms
  • marriage offer

    more literal and less common; sounds slightly old-fashioned

Grammar Patterns

make + proposal

accept / reject + proposal

Usage Note

Typically preceded by a possessive determiner (e.g., 'his proposal', 'her proposal') or the modifier 'marriage'. The most common verb collocates are 'make', 'accept', and 'turn down'.

Common Mistakes

He gave her a suggestion of marriage.
He made a proposal of marriage.
For asking someone to marry you, 'proposal' (not 'suggestion') is the standard word.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A 'proposal' is a formal, often written plan put forward for group discussion and decision — it implies more structure than a 'suggestion', which can be a quick or casual idea. A 'proposition' is similar but often narrower: it may refer to a business deal or a specific statement to be analysed. An 'offer' emphasises willingness to give, provide, or do something, and is usually directed from one party to another (e.g., 'an offer to buy the company'). A 'motion' is a technical term in meetings and parliaments — a formal proposal that participants vote on directly. For everyday workplace use, 'proposal' is the safest choice; use 'suggestion' for informal input, and 'motion' only when Roberts Rules of Order apply.

suggestion ↗proposition ↗offer ↗motion ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • make a proposal
  • accept a proposal
  • reject a proposal
  • consider a proposal
  • turn down a proposal
  • put forward a proposal

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'proposal' comes from the Latin verb 'proponere', meaning 'to set forth, to declare'. It entered English through Old French in the 1300s. The general sense of 'a plan put forward' has been in use since the 1500s, while the marriage-specific sense developed later, around the 1700s.