Definition

1. Noun:

   • A statement or assertion that expresses a judgment or opinion: A proposition is a declarative sentence that is either true or false, but not both.
   • A suggested plan or offer, put forward for consideration or acceptance: A proposition can be a formal proposal, often involving a business deal or arrangement.
   • A matter or situation requiring attention or action: Informally, a proposition can refer to a task, problem, or undertaking, often implying a challenging or significant one.
   • (Logic) A statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false: In formal logic, a proposition is the content of a declarative sentence that can be evaluated as true or false.
   • (Informal) An offer of a private bargain, especially a sexual one: A direct, often improper, offer made to someone.

2. Verb:

   • To make a suggestion or offer, especially of a sexual nature, to someone: To proposition someone is to directly propose a private arrangement, typically of an intimate or illicit nature.

Examples

• Noun:

  • The philosopher analyzed the logical proposition "all men are mortal."
  • The company presented a business proposition to potential investors.
  • Organizing the international conference is a complex proposition.
  • He made her an indecent proposition.

• Verb:

  • She was shocked when a stranger propositioned her at the bar.

Advanced Usage

• "A tough/hard proposition": A difficult task or challenge.

  • Convincing the board will be a tough proposition.

• "A paying proposition": An undertaking that is profitable or worthwhile.

  • The new franchise turned out to be a very paying proposition.

Variants and Related Words

• Propose (verb): To put forward an idea or plan for consideration.

  • He proposed a new strategy.

• Propositional (adjective): Relating to or of the nature of a proposition.

  • Propositional logic is a branch of formal logic.

Synonyms

• Noun: Proposal, suggestion, statement, assertion, undertaking, task.
• Verb: Propose, solicit, make an offer to.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Proposition" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. The verb form is typically used transitively, e.g., "to proposition someone.")

Related Idioms

• "That's a different proposition": That is an entirely different matter or situation.
  • Writing a short email is easy, but drafting a formal report is a different proposition altogether.

Noun

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

Verb

1. suggest sex to
   • She was propositioned by a stranger at the party