Definition

1. Noun:
   • An offer of marriage: A formal or explicit statement in which one person asks another to enter into the institution of marriage. It represents a request for a mutual commitment to become spouses.

Usage

• The term "marriage proposal" is used to describe the specific act of asking someone to marry you. It is a countable noun.
• It is typically a planned, significant event within a romantic relationship, though it can also be spontaneous.
• The person making the offer presents the "marriage proposal," and the person receiving it can accept or decline it.

Examples

• Noun:
  • He got down on one knee and made a romantic marriage proposal in the park.
  • She was surprised by the marriage proposal during their vacation.
  • After three years of dating, he finally decided to make a marriage proposal.

Advanced Usage

• "to pop the question": This is an informal idiom meaning to make a marriage proposal.
  • He's been acting nervous all week; I think he's going to pop the question tonight.
• "a proposal of marriage": This is a more formal, less common variant with the same meaning as "marriage proposal."
  • She received a formal proposal of marriage from her suitor.

Variants and Related Words

• Proposal (n): A general plan or suggestion, often formal. In the context of relationships, it can be shorthand for "marriage proposal."
  • He had a proposal for a new business venture. (General use)
  • She said yes to his proposal! (Implies marriage proposal)
• Engagement (n): The period of time between a marriage proposal being accepted and the marriage ceremony.
  • They announced their engagement after the proposal.

Synonyms

• Offer of marriage: The most direct synonym, often used in more formal or legal contexts.
• Proposal of marriage: A formal synonym with identical meaning.

Related Phrases

• To propose (to someone): The verb form meaning to ask someone to marry you.
  • He proposed to her last night.
• To accept/reject a proposal: Common collocations describing the response to a marriage proposal.
  • She happily accepted the proposal.
  • He was heartbroken when she rejected his proposal.

Noun

1. an offer of marriage