B1 noun ニュートラル #27 よく出る 2分で読める

proposition

/ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən/

A proposition is a statement or assertion that expresses a judgment, opinion, or fact, which can be evaluated as true or false. It also refers to a formal offer or a suggested plan of action, especially in business or negotiations.

A proposition refers to either a statement that can be judged true or false, or a suggested plan or offer.

30秒でわかる単語

  • A statement or assertion that can be true or false.
  • A formal offer or suggested plan, especially in business.
  • Used to present ideas or deals for consideration.

Summary

A proposition refers to either a statement that can be judged true or false, or a suggested plan or offer.

  • A statement or assertion that can be true or false.
  • A formal offer or suggested plan, especially in business.
  • Used to present ideas or deals for consideration.

Understand Context for Meaning

Pay close attention to the surrounding words to determine if "proposition" refers to a statement of fact or a suggested offer. This will clarify its intended meaning.

Be Mindful of Informal Connotation

In some informal or older contexts, "proposition" can refer to an unwelcome sexual advance. While less common today, be aware of this potential connotation and use it carefully outside of clear business or academic settings.

Business Propositions Vary Globally

The way "business propositions" are presented and negotiated can differ significantly across cultures. What is considered a good or polite proposition in one country might not be in another.

例文

4 / 4
1

The sales team presented a strong business proposition to the client.

2

The philosophical debate centered on the truth value of several complex propositions.

3

"That's a tempting proposition, but I'll need some time to think it over," she said.

4

The government's new policy proposal was met with mixed reactions, with many calling it a risky proposition.

語族

名詞
proposition, proposal
動詞
propose
形容詞
propositional

覚え方のコツ

Think of "PROpose a POSITION." A "PROposition" is like "PROposing" an idea or a "POSITION" (a statement) for others to consider.

Overview

The word “proposition” has two primary meanings. Firstly, it refers to a statement or assertion that can be judged as true or false, often used in logic, philosophy, or general discourse. For example, “The sky is blue” is a proposition. Secondly, and perhaps more commonly in everyday and business contexts, it means a proposal or an offer, a suggested plan or deal put forward for consideration. This could be a business deal, a suggestion for a meeting, or even a marriage proposal. Its versatility makes it a useful word for expressing both factual claims and proposed actions.

“Proposition” is typically used with verbs like “make,” “consider,” “accept,” “reject,” or “put forward.” You might hear phrases like “to make a business proposition” or “to consider a new proposition.” In academic or philosophical contexts, one might “analyze a proposition” or “debate the truth of a proposition.” It often appears with adjectives describing its nature, such as “attractive proposition,” “logical proposition,” or “risky proposition.”

In business and negotiations, it refers to an offer or plan (e.g., “The company presented a strong proposition to its investors.”). In logic and philosophy, it means a statement (e.g., “Is the statement 'All bachelors are unmarried' a true proposition?”). In everyday discussion, it can be a general suggestion or idea (e.g., "That's an interesting proposition, but I need to think about it."). Informally, it can also refer to an unwelcome sexual advance, although this usage is less common in formal settings and can be considered dated or inappropriate.

When “proposition” means an offer or plan, it is very similar to “proposal.” However, “proposal” often implies a more formal, written, or detailed plan (e.g., a research proposal, a marriage proposal), whereas “proposition” can be more general or abstract. When it refers to an assertion, it is close to “statement,” but a “proposition” specifically carries the implication that it can be evaluated for truth or falsehood, especially in logic, while a “statement” can be any declaration. “Offer” is a direct synonym when “proposition” means a suggestion for a deal, but “offer” is generally more direct and simple.

使い方のコツ

"Proposition" is a versatile noun used in both formal and informal registers, though it leans towards neutral or formal in its common meanings. Be aware of the potential informal, dated, and sometimes negative connotation related to unwelcome advances, especially in older texts or very casual speech.

よくある間違い

A common mistake is not distinguishing between "proposition" as an offer and "proposition" as a logical statement, leading to confusion. Another error is overlooking the subtle differences between "proposition" and "proposal," especially in formal contexts where precision is key.

覚え方のコツ

Think of "PROpose a POSITION." A "PROposition" is like "PROposing" an idea or a "POSITION" (a statement) for others to consider.

語源

From Latin "propositio," meaning "a setting forth, a statement," from "proponere" (to put forth, propose). It entered English in the late 14th century.

文化的な背景

In Western business culture, "propositions" are central to negotiations and deal-making. In academic and philosophical discourse, particularly in fields like logic and mathematics, "propositions" are fundamental building blocks for arguments and theories.

例文

1

The sales team presented a strong business proposition to the client.

everyday
2

The philosophical debate centered on the truth value of several complex propositions.

academic
3

"That's a tempting proposition, but I'll need some time to think it over," she said.

informal
4

The government's new policy proposal was met with mixed reactions, with many calling it a risky proposition.

formal

語族

名詞
proposition, proposal
動詞
propose
形容詞
propositional

よく使う組み合わせ

make a proposition
business proposition
consider a proposition

よく使うフレーズ

a tempting proposition

a risky proposition

make a business proposition

よく混同される語

proposition vs proposal

While often interchangeable when referring to an offer, "proposal" usually implies a more formal, detailed, or written plan (e.g., a research proposal, a marriage proposal). "Proposition" can be more general and also has a distinct meaning in logic.

proposition vs statement

"Statement" is a general declaration, while "proposition" (in its logical sense) is a statement specifically designed to be evaluated for truth or falsehood. A "statement" doesn't always carry this implication.

文法パターン

make a proposition (to someone) consider a proposition a proposition that [clause]

Understand Context for Meaning

Pay close attention to the surrounding words to determine if "proposition" refers to a statement of fact or a suggested offer. This will clarify its intended meaning.

Be Mindful of Informal Connotation

In some informal or older contexts, "proposition" can refer to an unwelcome sexual advance. While less common today, be aware of this potential connotation and use it carefully outside of clear business or academic settings.

Business Propositions Vary Globally

The way "business propositions" are presented and negotiated can differ significantly across cultures. What is considered a good or polite proposition in one country might not be in another.

自分をテスト

fill blank

Choose the best word to complete the sentence.

The company's new marketing plan was an attractive ___ to potential investors.

正解! おしい! 正解: proposition

In this context, "proposition" refers to an attractive offer or plan presented to investors.

multiple choice

Select the meaning of "proposition" in the given sentence.

"In logic, a proposition is a declarative sentence that is either true or false." What does "proposition" mean here?

正解! おしい! 正解: A statement or assertion

This sentence specifically defines "proposition" within the field of logic as a statement.

sentence building

Build a grammatically correct sentence using the words provided, ensuring "proposition" is used correctly.

Use: "consider," "we," "new," "the," "proposition," "carefully"

正解! おしい! 正解: We will carefully consider the new proposition.

This sentence correctly uses "proposition" as the object of the verb "consider," referring to a plan or offer.

スコア: /3

よくある質問

4 問

The primary meaning of "proposition" is either a statement that asserts something which can be true or false, or a formal offer or plan presented for consideration. Both meanings are widely used depending on the context.

"Proposition" can be used in both formal and neutral contexts. In business or academic settings, it's quite formal. However, in everyday conversation, it can be used neutrally to describe a suggestion or idea.

No, "proposition" is primarily a noun. The verb form related to making a proposition is "to propose." For example, you "propose an idea" or "make a proposition."

While very similar, "proposal" often implies a more detailed, formal, or written plan (e.g., a project proposal, marriage proposal). "Proposition" can be more general, referring to any idea or offer put forward, and also has the distinct meaning of a statement in logic.

関連フレーズ

役に立った?
まだコメントがありません。最初に考えをシェアしましょう!