English Dictionary

Definition of “proposition”

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proposition (ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən)

Definitions

noun

a proposal or topic presented for consideration
philosophy
1. the content of a sentence that affirms or denies something and is capable of being true or false
2. the meaning of such a sentence: the meaning of such a sentence: I am warm always expresses the same proposition whoever the speaker is Compare statement (sense 8)
mathematics a statement or theorem, usually containing its proof
informal a person or matter to be dealt with ⇒ he's a difficult proposition
an invitation to engage in sexual intercourse

verb

(tr) to propose a plan, deal, etc, to, esp to engage in sexual intercourse

Alternative Forms

ˌpropoˈsitional adjective ˌpropoˈsitionally adverb

Word Origin

C14 proposicioun, from Latin prōpositiō a setting forth; see propose

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry

= task, problem, activity, job, affair, venture, undertaking,

= theory, idea, argument, concept, thesis, hypothesis, theorem, premise, postulation,

= proposal, plan, suggestion, scheme, bid, motion, recommendation,

= advance, pass, proposal, overture, improper suggestion come-on,

= make a pass at solicit, accost, make an indecent proposal to make an improper suggestion to

Quotations

"It is more important that a proposition be interesting than that it be true" A.N. Whitehead

Usage examples

Then Tony said smoothly, `He came to me with a proposition.
Thomas, Rosie, The White Dove (1986)
Says Samir Arora, vice-president, Alliance Capital: "At the moment, gdrs are a more attractive proposition.
India Today (1996)
However, Cleveland is a great road proposition , with 10 covers in 12 tries when travelling.
Globe and Mail (2003)
The receiver was unavailable to comment on A&P's proposition.
Glasgow Herald (2001)
I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way.
Francis Wheen, HOW MUMBO-JUMBO CONQUERED THE WORLD (2004)

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