suggestion: I have lots of suggestions for the park's future.
plan: The three leaders had worked out a peace plan.
scheme: …schemes to help combat unemployment.
proposition: I want to make you a proposition.
pro|pose ◆◆◇ /prəpoʊ z/ (proposes , proposing , proposed )
1 VERB If you propose something such as a plan or an idea, you suggest it for people to think about and decide upon. □ [V n/v-ing] Britain is about to propose changes to some institutions. □ [V that] It was George who first proposed that we dry clothes in that locker.
2 VERB If you propose to do something, you intend to do it. □ [V to-inf] It's still far from clear what action the government proposes to take over the affair. □ [V v-ing] And where do you propose building such a huge thing? [Also V n]
3 VERB If you propose a theory or an explanation, you state that it is possibly or probably true, because it fits in with the evidence that you have considered. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] This highlights a problem faced by people proposing theories of ball lightning. □ [V that] Newton proposed that heavenly and terrestrial motion could be unified with the idea of gravity.
4 VERB If you propose a motion for debate, or a candidate for election, you begin the debate or the election procedure by formally stating your support for that motion or candidate. □ [V n] She was a pioneer in proposing that women should be able to control their own fertility. [Also V that] ● pro|pos|er (proposers ) N‑COUNT □ …Mr Ian Murch, the proposer of the motion.
5 VERB If you propose a toast to someone or something, you ask people to drink a toast to them. □ [V n] Usually the bride's father proposes a toast to the health of the bride and groom.
6 VERB If you propose to someone, or propose marriage to them, you ask them to marry you. □ [V + to ] He had proposed to Isabel the day after taking his seat in Parliament. [Also V , V n, V n + to ]
propo|si|tion /prɒ pəz I ʃ ə n/ (propositions , propositioning , propositioned )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, adj N ] If you describe something such as a task or an activity as, for example, a difficult proposition or an attractive proposition , you mean that it is difficult or pleasant to do. □ Making easy money has always been an attractive proposition. □ Even among seasoned mountaineers this peak is considered quite a tough proposition.
2 N‑COUNT [oft N that] A proposition is a statement or an idea which people can consider or discuss to decide whether it is true. [FORMAL ] □ The proposition that democracies do not fight each other is based on a tiny historical sample.
3 N‑COUNT In the United States, a proposition is a question or statement about an issue of public policy which appears on a voting paper so that people can vote for or against it. □ I voted 'yes' on proposition 136, but 'no' on propositions 129, 133 and 134.
4 N‑COUNT A proposition is an offer or a suggestion that someone makes to you, usually concerning some work or business that you might be able to do together. □ You came to see me at my office the other day with a business proposition.
5 VERB If someone who you do not know very well propositions you, they suggest that you have sex with them. □ [V n] He had allegedly tried to proposition a colleague. ● N‑COUNT Proposition is also a noun. □ …unwanted sexual propositions.
pro|pound /prəpaʊ nd/ (propounds , propounding , propounded ) VERB If someone propounds an idea or point of view they have, they suggest it for people to consider. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] This zoologist has propounded a general theory of the vocal sounds that animals make.
pro|pri|etary /prəpra I ətri, [AM ] -teri/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Proprietary substances or products are sold under a trade name. [FORMAL ] □ …some proprietary brands of dog food. □ We had to take action to protect the proprietary technology.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has a proprietary attitude towards something, they act as though they own it. [FORMAL ] □ Directors weren't allowed any proprietary airs about the product they made.
pro|pri|eties /prəpra I I tiz/ N‑PLURAL The proprieties are the standards of social behaviour which most people consider socially or morally acceptable. [OLD-FASHIONED ] □ …respectable couples who observe the proprieties but loathe each other.
pro|pri|etor /prəpra I ətə r / (proprietors ) N‑COUNT The proprietor of a hotel, shop, newspaper, or other business is the person who owns it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the proprietor of a local restaurant.
pro|pri|etorial /prəpra I ətɔː riəl/ ADJ If your behaviour is proprietorial , you are behaving in a proud way because you are, or feel like you are, the owner of something. [FORMAL ] □ The longer I live alone the more proprietorial I become about my home.
pro|pri|etress /prəpra I ətr I s/ (proprietresses ) N‑COUNT The proprietress of a hotel, shop, or business is the woman who owns it. [FORMAL ] □ The proprietress was alone in the bar.
pro|pri|ety /prəpra I I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Propriety is the quality of being socially or morally acceptable. [FORMAL ] □ Their sense of social propriety is eroded.
pro|pul|sion /prəpʌ lʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft n N , N n] Propulsion is the power that moves something, especially a vehicle, in a forward direction. [FORMAL ] □ Turbofans are the pinnacle of efficient jet propulsion.
pro ra|ta /proʊ rɑː tə, [AM ] - re I tə/ also pro-rata ADV [ADV after v] If something is distributed pro rata , it is distributed in proportion to the amount or size of something. [FORMAL ] □ All part-timers should be paid the same, pro rata, as full-timers doing the same job. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Pro rata is also an adjective. □ They are paid their salaries and are entitled to fringe benefits on a pro-rata basis.