proposition
C1Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
An idea, plan, or suggestion put forward for consideration or discussion; a statement expressing a judgment or opinion.
A matter or situation requiring attention or dealing with (e.g., 'a difficult proposition'); in formal logic, a statement that is either true or false; in business, a specific offer or deal, often detailed in a document.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word straddles abstract/conceptual uses (logic, philosophy) and practical/commercial uses (business offer). In informal contexts, it can imply a risky or uncertain venture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb 'to proposition' (to make a direct, often improper suggestion) is more frequent in AmE. The noun in business contexts ('business proposition') is equally common in both.
Connotations
In BrE, the word can sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned in everyday speech compared to 'idea' or 'plan'. In AmE, it may be used more readily in commercial contexts.
Frequency
Comparatively common in both varieties, with slightly higher frequency in AmE corpus data, likely due to its strong business usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
V + proposition (e.g., consider, reject, accept)Adj + proposition (e.g., attractive, difficult)Proposition + to-INF (e.g., a proposition to merge the companies)Proposition + that-CL (e.g., the proposition that all men are equal)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a different proposition altogether”
- “not a paying proposition”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A detailed document outlining a specific commercial offer or partnership opportunity.
Academic
In logic/philosophy, a declarative statement capable of being true or false.
Everyday
A suggested plan or idea, or a situation described as challenging ('Moving house is a big proposition').
Technical
In mathematics/logic, a formal statement to be proved or derived.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was propositioned by a stranger in the bar.
- The board was propositioned with a radical merger plan.
American English
- She got propositioned on her business trip.
- Investors are being propositioned daily with new schemes.
adverb
British English
- The argument was propositionally unsound.
American English
- The theory can be stated propositionally.
adjective
British English
- The propositional content of the statement was clear.
- He studied propositional logic at university.
American English
- The document outlined the propositional details of the offer.
- Propositional calculus is a branch of formal logic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He made an interesting proposition about the holiday.
- The business proposition seemed very good.
- Financing the project alone is a risky proposition.
- The core proposition of her argument was difficult to refute.
- The philosophical proposition that existence precedes essence is central to existentialism.
- They tabled a detailed acquisition proposition for the board's consideration.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PROfessional POSITION: you put forward a 'proposition' to state your professional position on an idea.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OFFERINGS (to put forward a proposition), DEALING WITH A SITUATION IS FACING AN OBJECT (a tough proposition).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'предложение' for 'sentence' (grammar). In business, 'пропозиция' is a direct loanword but less common than 'предложение'. The logical term is 'суждение' or 'высказывание'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'proposition' as a direct synonym for 'problem' (only in the sense of 'a difficult thing to deal with'). Misspelling as 'propositon' or 'proposision'. Using the verb form in overly formal contexts where 'suggest' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'proposition' LEAST likely mean 'a commercial offer'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms. 'Proposition' can sound more formal, strategic, or commercial, while 'proposal' is more general and common, especially for plans like marriage or official suggestions.
Yes, but it has a specific, often delicate meaning: to suggest a deal, especially of a sexual nature, or to make a formal business offer. It's less neutral than the verb 'propose'.
A business/marketing term meaning the clear statement of the tangible benefits a product or service provides, and why it is better than competitors.
It ranges from neutral-formal in business/logic to informal when describing a difficult situation ('a tough proposition'). It is generally more formal than 'idea' or 'plan'.
Collections
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