Basic Details
Word: Proposes
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Puts forward an idea or plan for others to think about; also, asks someone to marry him or her.
Synonyms: suggests, recommends, puts forward, offers
Antonyms: rejects, opposes
Sounds like: purposes (reasons for doing things; aims)
How to Spell Proposes
Syllables: pro - pos - es
Tricky part: It is propose plus s: one p in the middle, a single s, then es. Students sometimes write purposes, which is a different word.
Watch out for: propposes, proposses, praposes
Memory tip: Inside proposes is the word poses. When someone proposes an idea, they pose it in front of the group.
Usage Examples
Example 1: Every year our class monitor proposes a picnic, and every year the teacher says, 'After the exams.'
Example 2: The plan proposes a new metro line from the airport to the old city.
Example 3: In the film, the hero proposes to the heroine on a boat in Kerala's backwaters.
Fun Fact
In a formal meeting a member proposes a motion, and another member must second it before it can be discussed.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Fill in the missing letters to complete the word:
pr_p_ses
a) o, o
b) e, o
c) o, a
d) a, o
Show answer
a) o, o. The verb is pro + pose, so both gaps hold the same letter o.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word proposes as used in the sentence:
Zoya proposes that the class should collect old books for the village library.
a) suggests
b) refuses
c) forgets
d) doubts
Show answer
a) suggests. To propose an idea is to put it forward, and suggests carries that meaning in this sentence.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the letters in the sentence to form a meaningful word:
The new rule psoreops a fine for anyone who litters in the park.
a) prospers
b) promises
c) purposes
d) proposes
Show answer
d) proposes. Purposes swaps an o for a u and promises needs an m, so the only fit for these letters is proposes.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. When a young man proposes to his friend, he ____.
a) asks her to keep quiet
b) asks her to lend him money
c) asks her to marry him
d) asks her to leave town
Show answer
c) asks her to marry him
2. If a committee does not accept a plan that someone proposes, it ____ the plan.
a) rejects
b) presents
c) suggests
d) offers
Show answer
a) rejects
