Proposition Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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proposition
[ˌprɑːpəˈzɪʃən ]
Definitions
legal term
a formal statement or offer
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| proposition |
Used in business, sales, or formal contexts where a specific plan or deal is proposed. It can also imply a sense of convincing or selling an idea.
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| proposal |
Mainly used in formal or serious contexts like business plans, academic research, or marriage. It implies a detailed and thoughtful plan.
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| offer |
Typically used when someone gives you the opportunity to accept or refuse something, often involving gifts, discounts, or employment. It carries a sense of generosity or providing options.
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| suggestion |
Generally used in casual or informal situations where someone is giving advice or ideas without strong commitment. It does not carry the weight of a formal plan.
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Examples of usage
- He made her a proposition to invest in his business.
- The proposition was rejected by the board of directors.
mathematics
a statement or theorem that can be proved from known postulates
Synonyms
hypothesis, statement, theorem.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| proposition |
Used when presenting an idea or plan, especially in business, politics, or formal discussions. Proposition may also be used in logic to denote a statement that can be true or false.
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| theorem |
Used in mathematics and formal logic to refer to a proposition that has been proven based on previously established statements and axioms.
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| statement |
Used to refer to a clear, formal expression of something in speech or writing. It can be factual or opinion-based and is often used in academic, legal, and personal contexts.
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| hypothesis |
Used primarily in scientific and academic contexts when proposing a tentative explanation that can be tested through experiments and observations.
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Examples of usage
- Euclid's fifth proposition
- The Pythagorean theorem is a famous mathematical proposition.
formal
to suggest a plan of action
Synonyms
propose, put forward, suggest.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| proposition |
Use this word when referring to a formal statement or plan that is being considered or discussed, often in a business or academic context.
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| suggest |
Use this word when making a recommendation or giving an idea in a more casual or friendly context.
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| propose |
This word is commonly used when making a suggestion or an idea, especially in formal settings. It is also used when asking someone to marry you.
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| put forward |
This phrase is typically used when someone is presenting an idea or plan for consideration. It's often used in discussions and meetings.
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Examples of usage
- He propositioned a new marketing strategy to increase sales.
- She propositioned the idea of expanding the business overseas.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- In philosophical discussions, propositions are often statements that are either true or false.
- Philosophers debate about propositions to analyze the foundations of reasoning and logic.
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, a key figure in philosophy, emphasized the importance of clear propositions in logical discourse.
Mathematics
- In geometry, a proposition is a statement that can be proven true through logical deduction.
- Mathematical propositions can serve as theorems or conjectures that require demonstration.
- Euclid’s 'Elements' includes propositions that have shaped mathematics through geometry and proofs.
Business
- In business, a value proposition outlines the unique benefits a product or service offers to customers.
- Creating a strong proposition can differentiate companies in competitive markets.
- Businesses often present propositions to potential clients to persuade and secure deals.
Linguistics
- In language, propositions represent the meaning of sentences without necessarily focusing on form.
- Linguists analyze how propositions function across different languages and cultures.
- Propositions can vary greatly in complexity, from simple statements to multi-clause sentences.
Origin of 'proposition'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'propositio', meaning 'a setting forth or placing before'.
- It entered English in the late 14th century, initially used in the context of logical arguments.
- The prefix 'pro-' means 'for' or 'in favor of', while 'positio' means 'to place or set'.
The word 'proposition' originated from the Latin word 'propositio', which means a statement or proposal. It was first used in the 14th century to refer to a formal statement or offer in legal contexts. In mathematics, the term 'proposition' has been used since ancient times to denote a statement that can be proved from known principles. Over the years, 'proposition' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to suggesting plans of action or putting forward ideas.