提案
A proposal is a plan or suggestion that you put forward for other people to think about.
Explanation at your level:
A proposal is a plan. You tell someone your plan. You want them to say yes. It is like saying, 'I have an idea, what do you think?'
When you have a project, you write a proposal. It shows your steps and your goals. Your boss reads it to decide if the project is good.
A proposal is a formal suggestion. In business, you send a proposal to a client to explain how you can help them. It is important to be clear and professional.
The term is versatile. It refers to a written plan in a corporate setting or a romantic gesture. Using the word correctly shows you understand formal communication structures.
In academic or political contexts, a proposal is a document outlining research or policy. It must be persuasive and well-argued to gain approval from a committee or board.
Etymologically, it encapsulates the act of 'setting forth' an intellectual or practical framework. It is a cornerstone of negotiation theory, representing the initial move in a strategic exchange.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A formal plan.
- Used in business.
- Can be marriage.
- Rooted in Latin.
Think of a proposal as a bridge between an idea and reality. When you have a plan that needs approval, you present it as a proposal.
It is not just a random thought; it is a structured suggestion. Whether it is a business proposal for a new client or a marriage proposal, the core meaning remains the same: you are asking someone to consider your plan.
The word proposal comes from the Latin word proponere, which means 'to put forward' or 'to set forth'.
It entered the English language via Old French in the 16th century. Historically, it was used to describe a topic set for discussion, eventually evolving into the modern sense of a formal plan or offer.
You will hear proposal most often in professional environments. We often use verbs like submit, reject, or accept with it.
It is a formal word. In casual settings, people might just say 'idea' or 'suggestion', but 'proposal' implies more effort and formality.
While 'proposal' isn't always in an idiom, it appears in phrases like 'pop the question' (a marriage proposal). Another is 'put forward a proposal', which is the standard way to initiate the action.
You might also hear 'counter-proposal', which is a response to an initial offer that suggests a different plan.
The word is a countable noun, so you can have a proposal or several proposals. The stress is on the second syllable: pro-PO-sal.
It rhymes with 'disposal' and 'reposal'. In both British and American English, the pronunciation is quite similar, though the American 'o' is slightly more rounded.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'purpose'.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like pro-POH-zul
Sounds like pro-POH-zul
Common Errors
- Misplacing the stress
- Pronouncing it like 'dispose'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun usage
The proposal is ready.
Examples by Level
I have a new proposal.
I / have / a / new / plan.
Use 'a' before proposal.
The team read the proposal.
She wrote a good proposal.
Do you like my proposal?
The proposal is ready.
We need a new proposal.
He sent the proposal today.
Read the proposal carefully.
The proposal was accepted.
The committee reviewed the proposal.
He submitted a proposal for the project.
They rejected the initial proposal.
The proposal includes a budget.
Can you draft a proposal?
The proposal was very detailed.
She presented her proposal well.
The proposal is under review.
The company is considering a merger proposal.
He made a marriage proposal at dinner.
The proposal met with some resistance.
We need to refine our proposal.
The proposal was met with enthusiasm.
His proposal was quite ambitious.
They are finalizing the proposal.
The proposal outlines the strategy.
The research proposal was granted funding.
The legislative proposal caused a debate.
She put forward a bold proposal.
The proposal addresses the core issue.
He drafted a comprehensive proposal.
The board evaluated the proposal.
A joint proposal was submitted.
The proposal is a work in progress.
The architect's proposal was revolutionary.
The proposal was subjected to scrutiny.
He offered a counter-proposal to the board.
The proposal was deemed unfeasible.
The proposal was ratified by the council.
She articulated the proposal clearly.
The proposal lacks sufficient detail.
The proposal was a catalyst for change.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"pop the question"
to propose marriage
He decided to pop the question on their anniversary.
casualEasily Confused
similar sound
proposition is more of a statement or deal
A business proposition.
Sentence Patterns
I submitted a proposal for...
I submitted a proposal for the project.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
We use proposal for a plan, not 'of'.
Tips
Break it down
Pro-pose-al.
Business context
Use it for projects.
Marriage
The big question.
Countable
Always use 'a' or 'the'.
Stress
Second syllable.
Don't use 'of'
Use 'for'.
Latin roots
Proponere.
Use in a sentence
Write your own.
Formal tone
Professional setting.
Flashcards
Use with synonyms.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Pro (forward) + Pose (place) = Place forward.
Visual Association
A person handing a document to a boss.
Word Web
Challenge
Write a one-sentence proposal for a new school rule.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: to put forward
Cultural Context
None
Common in business and romantic contexts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Business
- submit a proposal
- review the proposal
- accept the proposal
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever written a proposal?"
"What makes a good proposal?"
Journal Prompts
Write a proposal for a dream vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it can be verbal.
Test Yourself
I have a new ___.
Proposal is a plan.
What is a proposal?
A proposal is a suggestion or plan.
A proposal is always a marriage request.
It is often used in business too.
Word
Meaning
Common collocation.
Subject-verb-object order.
Score: /5
Summary
A proposal is a formal suggestion to move an idea forward.
- A formal plan.
- Used in business.
- Can be marriage.
- Rooted in Latin.
Break it down
Pro-pose-al.
Business context
Use it for projects.
Marriage
The big question.
Countable
Always use 'a' or 'the'.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More work words
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
