English · Word Candidate

proposition

/ˌpɹɑpəˈzɪʃən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: propositions · propositioning · propositioned

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The act of offering (an idea) for consideration.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An idea, plan, or suggestion offered.

Noun

Examples

The humor of my proposition appealed more strongly to Miss Trevor than I had looked for, and from that time forward she became her old self again; for, even after she had conquered her love for the Celebrity, the mortification of having been jilted by him remained.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To make an offer or suggestion to (someone).

VerbRegister: informal

Examples

The Superintendent of the facility tried to proposition with me that if I snitched to the guards and would work with him, then he would put my friend and me back together again.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To make an offer or suggestion to (someone). — To make a suggestion of sexual intercourse to (someone with whom one is not sexually involved).

VerbRegister: informal

Examples

Yiannopoulos started releasing video interviews and other evidence meant to prove that [Ali] Alexander sexually propositioned both adult men in their 20s and at least two teenagers.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “proposition” mean?

The act of offering (an idea) for consideration.

Is “proposition” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.