- prop|o|si|tion
- prop|o|si|tion «PROP uh ZIHSH uhn», noun, verb.–n.1. what is offered to be considered; proposal: »
The tailor made a proposition to buy out his rival's business. To this rational proposition no objection could be raised (James Fenimore Cooper).
SYNONYM(S): See syn. under proposal. (Cf. ↑proposal)2. a statement; assertion. Example: “All men are created equal.” A proposition in logic is a statement to be proved either true or false.3. a statement that is to be proved true, such as in a debate. Example: Resolved: that our school should have a store.4. a problem to be solved: »a proposition in arithmetic, a proposition in geometry.
5. U.S. Informal. a business enterprise; affair to be dealt with; undertaking: »a tough proposition, a paying proposition.
6. U.S. Informal. a person or thing to be dealt with: »He's a cool proposition. The expense is a serious proposition that must be explored before purchase.
–v.t.Informal. to propose a scheme, plan, or action to, often an improper one: »The social worker has so far put off propositioning him on taking a job as a dishwasher (Maclean's).
╂[< Latin prōpositiō, -ōnis a setting forth < prōpōnere; see etym. under propone (Cf. ↑propone)]Usage Proposition as a synonym for offer, plan, proposal is largely confined to commercial jargon: »I have a proposition (standard English a plan) that may interest you.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.