The difference between Propose and Suggest

When used as verbs, propose means to suggest a plan, course of action, etc, whereas suggest means to imply but stop short of saying explicitly.


Propose is also noun with the meaning: an objective or aim.

check bellow for the other definitions of Propose and Suggest

  1. Propose as a verb (transitive):

    To suggest a plan, course of action, etc.

    Examples:

    "I propose going to see a film."

    "to propose an alliance; to propose a question for discussion"

  2. Propose as a verb (intransitive, sometimes followed by '''to'''):

    To ask for a person's hand in marriage.

    Examples:

    "He proposed to her last night and she accepted him."

  3. Propose as a verb (transitive):

    To intend.

    Examples:

    "He proposes to set up his own business."

  4. Propose as a verb (obsolete):

    To talk; to converse.

  5. Propose as a verb (obsolete):

    To set forth.

  1. Propose as a noun (obsolete):

    An objective or aim.

  1. Suggest as a verb (transitive):

    To imply but stop short of saying explicitly.

    Examples:

    "Are you suggesting that I killed my wife?"

  2. Suggest as a verb:

    To make one suppose; cause one to suppose (something).

    Examples:

    "The name "hamburger" suggests that hamburgers originated from Hamburg."

  3. Suggest as a verb (transitive):

    To mention something as an idea, typically in order to recommend it

    Examples:

    "I’d like to suggest that we go out to lunch. I’d like to suggest going out to lunch."

    "The guidebook suggests that we visit the local cathedral, which is apparently beautiful."

  4. Suggest as a verb (obsolete, transitive):

    To seduce; to prompt to evil; to tempt.

Compare words: