Propose Meaning
Propose Definition & Usage
To suggest or put forward an idea, plan, or course of action for consideration or discussion.
Examples
- "I propose that we meet at 10 AM tomorrow."
- "The committee will propose new strategies at the next meeting."
- "She proposed a new design for the company's logo."
- "He proposed several changes to the original plan."
- "During the conference, experts proposed several solutions to the issue."
To ask someone to marry you; to make an offer of marriage.
Examples
- "He proposed to her during their vacation in Paris."
- "After years of dating, John finally proposed last night."
- "She was so surprised when he proposed in front of all their friends."
- "They were at the top of the mountain when he proposed."
- "I think I might propose on our anniversary."
To formally offer a suggestion, plan, or business opportunity, especially in the context of negotiations or contracts.
Examples
- "The CEO proposed a merger between the two companies."
- "They proposed an agreement that would benefit both parties."
- "Our company has proposed a new partnership to expand into international markets."
- "The lawyer proposed a settlement that both sides could agree to."
- "She proposed a new project to the board for approval."
Cultural Context
The word 'propose' comes from Latin 'proponere,' meaning 'to put forward.' It has been used for centuries to refer to suggesting ideas, making formal offers, or presenting plans. In modern English, the word carries both formal and informal uses, especially in the contexts of marriage proposals and business negotiations.
The Proposal That Changed Everything
Story
The Proposal That Changed Everything
On a chilly autumn afternoon, Mark stood outside the small café where he and Laura had first met. The golden leaves fluttered in the breeze, settling on the cobblestones around him. He felt his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for her to arrive. Today, he was going to propose. Not just a casual offer, but a question that would change their lives forever. He had planned every detail of this moment. He’d chosen this spot because it was where they’d shared their first conversation, and he believed it was the perfect place for the next step in their journey together. Laura walked toward him, her face lighting up when she saw him. Mark smiled nervously, then took her hands in his. 'Laura,' he said, his voice trembling, 'I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and I want to propose something to you. We’ve been through so much together, and I know we’re ready for the next step. Will you marry me?' His voice cracked slightly at the end, but his sincerity was clear. She gasped, her eyes wide with surprise. 'Mark, you’re serious?' she asked, her hand going to her chest as if to steady her heartbeat. He nodded, pulling out a small velvet box that held a simple yet elegant diamond ring. As she looked at the ring, her eyes welled up with tears. 'Yes,' she whispered. 'Yes, I’ll marry you.' After the proposal, they celebrated with a quiet dinner in the café, the staff having secretly prepared the table with flowers and candles. But Mark wasn’t just proposing marriage. He was proposing a future—one that they would build together, overcoming whatever challenges came their way. It was a proposal not only of love but of a shared life ahead, full of both the mundane and the extraordinary. That night, Mark realized that proposals weren’t just about asking a question; they were about making a promise. A promise to support each other, to grow together, and to always come back to the moments that mattered. The couple’s life together unfolded with many more proposals: proposals for new homes, new cities, new adventures. But none had the weight and significance of that first one, the one that would define everything that followed.
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