proposition
proposition — noun
1. A formal offer or suggestion put forward for someone to consider, especially in
A formal offer or suggestion put forward for someone to consider, especially in business or financial situations.
Arjun made a business proposition to his investors during the meeting.
collocation: make a proposition
The board is still discussing whether to accept the merger proposition from the other company.
collocation: accept/reject a proposition
Jessica put forward a proposition about expanding into Southeast Asian markets.
The venture capital firm rejected their proposition as too risky.
- offer
less formal and broader in use; can apply to any situation, not just business
- proposal
very similar but slightly more formal; used for plans that are fully developed
- suggestion
less forceful; does not carry the same sense of a structured business deal
文法句型
proposition + to + infinitive
proposition + about + noun phrase
用法筆記
This is the most common sense of 'proposition' in everyday English. It is frequently used with verbs like 'make', 'put forward', 'accept', and 'reject'.
常見錯誤
2. A specific opinion that someone puts forward for others to consider, especially
A specific opinion that someone puts forward for others to consider, especially during a discussion or argument.
Layla's central proposition was that education should be free for everyone.
proposition + that-clause for stating an opinion
The philosopher spent an hour defending her proposition about the nature of freedom.
Eli challenged each proposition the speaker made during the debate.
Professor Nia's essay puts forward a difficult proposition that many readers will question.
- assertion
more forceful; suggests the speaker is confident but may lack proof
- thesis
used especially in academic writing; the main argument of an essay or paper
- contention
implies the opinion will likely be disputed by others
文法句型
proposition + that-clause
3. In logic or mathematics, a complete statement that is verifiably correct or inco
In logic or mathematics, a complete statement that is verifiably correct or incorrect, often needing a step-by-step proof.
Greta had to prove a geometric proposition about triangles for her math homework.
collocation: prove a proposition
The mathematician wrote a paper containing fifty new propositions and their proofs.
passive: propositions + their proofs
In logic class, Iris asked whether a proposition could be both true and false at the same time.
Each logical proposition must be stated clearly before the class begins the proof.
用法筆記
In formal logic and mathematics, a proposition is a complete statement that has a truth value — it is either true or false, but not both.
4. In some US states, a proposed new law or change to an existing law that citizens
In some US states, a proposed new law or change to an existing law that citizens vote on directly.
Californians will vote on Proposition 23, a new law about environmental rules.
named proposition + number (US ballot measure)
Voters in several states approved propositions that changed the way elections are run.
The governor spoke against the proposition, saying it would hurt small businesses.
Supporters of the proposition collected enough signatures to put it on the ballot.
- referendum
broader term used in many countries; a direct vote by the public on a policy
- ballot measure
more neutral term; refers to any item voters decide on at the polls
- initiative
a specific type of proposition put forward by citizens, not by the legislature
用法筆記
This sense is almost exclusively American English. In other varieties of English, words like 'referendum' or 'ballot measure' are more common. Ballot propositions are often numbered (e.g., Proposition 13).
5. A situation, task, or problem that has particular characteristics and must be de
A situation, task, or problem that has particular characteristics and must be dealt with in some way.
Finding an affordable flat in London is a difficult proposition for most young people.
collocation: adjective + proposition (difficult proposition)
The new job came with a good salary but the long hours made it an unattractive proposition.
Lara realised that training for a marathon was a very different proposition from running for fun.
Climbing the mountain in winter was a much tougher proposition than doing it in summer.
Selling handmade crafts online is an attractive proposition for creative people.
- task
simpler and more direct; less commonly used with descriptive adjectives
- prospect
focuses on the future possibility rather than the task itself
- undertaking
suggests something large or ambitious; more formal
文法句型
adjective + proposition
用法筆記
This sense is often used with an adjective before 'proposition' to describe the nature of the task. Common adjective pairings include: 'difficult', 'tough', 'attractive', 'interesting', 'different', 'simple'.
6. A direct and often unwanted request for sex made to someone who is not in a roma
A direct and often unwanted request for sex made to someone who is not in a romantic relationship with the person asking.
The manager was fired after a colleague reported his inappropriate proposition.
euphemistic use in formal reporting
Adina made it clear that any romantic proposition from coworkers would not be welcome.
In the film, the producer's unwanted proposition creates a difficult situation for the actress.
The hotel guest complained to security after receiving a crude proposition from another guest.
- advance
softer and slightly less direct; often used in the plural: 'advances'
- solicitation
more formal; used in legal contexts
用法筆記
In this sense, 'proposition' often describes an unwanted or inappropriate request. Using this word can be considered direct or even offensive in some contexts. The verb form (see below) is more common in informal speech. The phrase 'make someone a proposition' can be ambiguous — context determines whether it means a business offer or a sexual request.
常見錯誤
proposition — verb
1. To directly ask someone who is not your romantic partner for sexual activity, in
To directly ask someone who is not your romantic partner for sexual activity, in a way that is often seen as inappropriate.
Tendai felt uncomfortable when a stranger propositioned her at the bar.
transitive verb + direct object
The director was accused of propositioning several young actors after auditions.
gerund: propositioning + object
Nobody should ever feel pressured to accept being propositioned at work.
Jabari told his friend it was wrong to proposition someone who had been drinking.
- solicit
more formal and often used in legal contexts; can also refer to buying services
- make a pass at
less direct and often less offensive than 'proposition'; suggesting romantic or sexual interest
文法句型
proposition + someone
用法筆記
The verb 'proposition' is stronger and more direct than simply 'asking someone out'. It refers specifically to a request for sexual activity, not a romantic date. In many workplace and social settings, propositioning someone can be considered harassment. Avoid using this word casually.