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A formal plan or suggestion put forward for consideration or discussion.
The city council rejected the proposal to build a new highway.
The city council did not accept the suggested plan for a new highway.
He made a proposal to improve workplace safety.
He formally suggested changes to make the workplace safer.
Often used in business, government, or academic contexts.
An offer of marriage.
He got down on one knee and made his proposal.
He knelt and formally asked her to marry him.
Commonly used in romantic contexts.
The act of proposing something, especially in a formal or official context.
The proposal was drafted by the legal team.
The legal team prepared the formal suggestion for review.
In legal contexts, refers to a formal document outlining terms for negotiation.
Use 'proposal for' when referring to the subject (e.g., 'a proposal for a new policy') and 'proposal to' when referring to the action (e.g., 'a proposal to increase funding').
A 'proposal' is always formal. Do not use it for casual ideas or suggestions.
Late Middle English: from Old French *propos* (noun use of *proposer* 'purpose, intention'), from Latin *propositus*, past participle of *proponere* 'put forward', from *pro-* 'forward' + *ponere* 'put'.
Always used in contexts requiring formal presentation. Avoid using for casual suggestions.