proposition Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false
  2. noun a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection
    suggestion; proffer.
    • it was a suggestion we couldn't refuse
  3. noun an offer for a private bargain (especially a request for sexual favors)
  4. noun the act of making a proposal
    proposal.
    • they listened to her proposal
  5. noun a task to be dealt with
    • securing adequate funding is a time-consuming proposition
  6. verb suggest sex to
    • She was propositioned by a stranger at the party

WordNet

Prop`o*si"tion noun
Etymology
L. propositio: cf. F. proposition. See Propound.
Definitions
  1. The act of setting or placing before; the act of offering. "Oblations for the altar of proposition." Jer. Taylor.
  2. That which is proposed; that which is offered, as for consideration, acceptance, or adoption; a proposal; as, the enemy made propositions of peace; his proposition was not accepted.
  3. A statement of religious doctrine; an article of faith; creed; as, the propositions of Wyclif and Huss.
    Some persons . . . change their propositions according as their temporal necessities or advantages do turn. Jer. Taylor.
  4. (Gram. & Logic) A complete sentence, or part of a sentence consisting of a subject and predicate united by a copula; a thought expressed or propounded in language; a from of speech in which a predicate is affirmed or denied of a subject; as, snow is white.
  5. (Math.) A statement in terms of a truth to be demonstrated, or of an operation to be performed. ✍ It is called a theorem when it is something to be proved, and a problem when it is something to be done.
  6. (Rhet.) That which is offered or affirmed as the subject of the discourse; anything stated or affirmed for discussion or illustration.
  7. (Poetry) The part of a poem in which the author states the subject or matter of it. Wyclif (Luke vi. 4). Syn. -- Proposal; offer; statement; declaration. -- Proposition, Proposal. These words are both from the Latin verb proponere, to set forth, and as here compared they mark different forms or stages of a negotiation. A proposition is something presented for discussion or consideration; as, propositions of peace. A proposal is some definite thing offered by one party to be accepted or rejected by the other. If the proposition is favorably received, it is usually followed by proposals which complete the arrangement.

Webster 1913