proposition
/ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌprɑːpəˈzɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌprä-pə-ˈzi-shən/ (ame, mw) · /ˌprɒp.əˈzɪʃ.ən/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌprɑː.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/ (ame, ipa)
proposition — 名詞
- propositionsingular
- propositionsplural
1. A formal offer or suggestion put forward for someone to consider, especially in
提案；提議
商業中提出的正式建議
A formal offer or suggestion put forward for someone to consider, especially in business or financial situations.
Arjun made a business proposition to his investors during the meeting.
Arjun 在會議中向投資人提出了一項商業提案。
collocation: make a proposition
The board is still discussing whether to accept the merger proposition from the other company.
董事會仍在討論是否接受另一家公司的合併提案。
collocation: accept/reject a proposition
Jessica put forward a proposition about expanding into Southeast Asian markets.
Jessica 提出了關於擴張東南亞市場的建議。
The venture capital firm rejected their proposition as too risky.
那家創投公司因為風險太高而拒絕了他們的提案。
- offer
less formal and broader in use; can apply to any situation, not just business
- proposal
very similar but slightly more formal; used for plans that are fully developed
- suggestion
less forceful; does not carry the same sense of a structured business deal
文法句型
proposition + to + infinitive
proposition + about + noun phrase
用法筆記
This is the most common sense of 'proposition' in everyday English. It is frequently used with verbs like 'make', 'put forward', 'accept', and 'reject'.
常見錯誤
2. A specific opinion that someone puts forward for others to consider, especially
主張；論點
表達個人觀點的陳述
A specific opinion that someone puts forward for others to consider, especially during a discussion or argument.
Layla's central proposition was that education should be free for everyone.
Layla 的核心主張是教育應該對所有人免費。
proposition + that-clause for stating an opinion
The philosopher spent an hour defending her proposition about the nature of freedom.
那位哲學家花了一小時為她關於自由本質的主張辯護。
Eli challenged each proposition the speaker made during the debate.
Eli 挑戰了演講者在辯論中提出的每一個論點。
Professor Nia's essay puts forward a difficult proposition that many readers will question.
Nia 教授的文章提出了一個艱澀的主張，許多讀者會質疑。
- assertion
more forceful; suggests the speaker is confident but may lack proof
- thesis
used especially in academic writing; the main argument of an essay or paper
- contention
implies the opinion will likely be disputed by others
文法句型
proposition + that-clause
3. In logic or mathematics, a complete statement that is verifiably correct or inco
命題
邏輯或數學中須證明真偽的陳述
In logic or mathematics, a complete statement that is verifiably correct or incorrect, often needing a step-by-step proof.
Greta had to prove a geometric proposition about triangles for her math homework.
Greta 必須為她的數學作業證明一個關於三角形的幾何命題。
collocation: prove a proposition
The mathematician wrote a paper containing fifty new propositions and their proofs.
那位數學家寫了一篇論文，包含五十個新命題及其證明。
passive: propositions + their proofs
In logic class, Iris asked whether a proposition could be both true and false at the same time.
在邏輯課上，Iris 問一個命題是否能同時為真又為假。
Each logical proposition must be stated clearly before the class begins the proof.
每一個邏輯命題都必須清楚陳述，然後全班才能開始進行證明。
用法筆記
In formal logic and mathematics, a proposition is a complete statement that has a truth value — it is either true or false, but not both.
4. In some US states, a proposed new law or change to an existing law that citizens
公投提案
美國州級選民投票的法律提案
In some US states, a proposed new law or change to an existing law that citizens vote on directly.
Californians will vote on Proposition 23, a new law about environmental rules.
加州選民將投票表決第 23 號提案，這是一項關於環保法規的新法律。
named proposition + number (US ballot measure)
Voters in several states approved propositions that changed the way elections are run.
數個州的選民通過了改變選舉方式的公投提案。
The governor spoke against the proposition, saying it would hurt small businesses.
州長反對該項提案，稱其會傷害小型企業。
Supporters of the proposition collected enough signatures to put it on the ballot.
該提案的支持者募集了足夠的連署簽名，使其得以列入選票。
- referendum
broader term used in many countries; a direct vote by the public on a policy
- ballot measure
more neutral term; refers to any item voters decide on at the polls
- initiative
a specific type of proposition put forward by citizens, not by the legislature
用法筆記
This sense is almost exclusively American English. In other varieties of English, words like 'referendum' or 'ballot measure' are more common. Ballot propositions are often numbered (e.g., Proposition 13).
5. A situation, task, or problem that has particular characteristics and must be de
事情；難題
需要處理的情況或任務
A situation, task, or problem that has particular characteristics and must be dealt with in some way.
Finding an affordable flat in London is a difficult proposition for most young people.
對大多數年輕人來說，在倫敦找到一間負擔得起的公寓是一件困難的事情。
collocation: adjective + proposition (difficult proposition)
The new job came with a good salary but the long hours made it an unattractive proposition.
這份新工作薪水不錯，但工時長使它成為一項不吸引人的選擇。
Lara realised that training for a marathon was a very different proposition from running for fun.
Lara 意識到訓練跑馬拉松與純粹跑步娛樂完全是兩回事。
Climbing the mountain in winter was a much tougher proposition than doing it in summer.
冬天攀登那座山比夏天爬要困難得多。
Selling handmade crafts online is an attractive proposition for creative people.
在網上販售手工藝品對有創意的人來說是很吸引人的做法。
- task
simpler and more direct; less commonly used with descriptive adjectives
- prospect
focuses on the future possibility rather than the task itself
- undertaking
suggests something large or ambitious; more formal
文法句型
adjective + proposition
用法筆記
This sense is often used with an adjective before 'proposition' to describe the nature of the task. Common adjective pairings include: 'difficult', 'tough', 'attractive', 'interesting', 'different', 'simple'.
6. A direct and often unwanted request for sex made to someone who is not in a roma
性邀約
向非伴侶提出的性要求
A direct and often unwanted request for sex made to someone who is not in a romantic relationship with the person asking.
The manager was fired after a colleague reported his inappropriate proposition.
那位經理在同事檢舉他的不當性邀約後被開除了。
euphemistic use in formal reporting
Adina made it clear that any romantic proposition from coworkers would not be welcome.
Adina 明確表示不歡迎同事的任何性邀約。
In the film, the producer's unwanted proposition creates a difficult situation for the actress.
在那部電影中，製作人不當的性邀約為女演員帶來了困境。
The hotel guest complained to security after receiving a crude proposition from another guest.
那位飯店房客向安全部門投訴，因為另一名房客向他提出了粗鄙的性邀約。
- advance
softer and slightly less direct; often used in the plural: 'advances'
- solicitation
more formal; used in legal contexts
用法筆記
In this sense, 'proposition' often describes an unwanted or inappropriate request. Using this word can be considered direct or even offensive in some contexts. The verb form (see below) is more common in informal speech. The phrase 'make someone a proposition' can be ambiguous — context determines whether it means a business offer or a sexual request.
常見錯誤
proposition — 動詞
- propositionpresent simple I / you / we / they
- propositions3rd person singular
- propositioning-ing form
- propositionedpast simple
1. To directly ask someone who is not your romantic partner for sexual activity, in
提出性要求
向非伴侶提出性要求
To directly ask someone who is not your romantic partner for sexual activity, in a way that is often seen as inappropriate.
Tendai felt uncomfortable when a stranger propositioned her at the bar.
Tendai 在酒吧被陌生人提出性要求時感到很不自在。
transitive verb + direct object
The director was accused of propositioning several young actors after auditions.
該導演被指控在試鏡後向多名年輕演員提出性要求。
gerund: propositioning + object
Nobody should ever feel pressured to accept being propositioned at work.
任何人都不應該覺得必須被迫接受在工作場合被提出性要求。
Jabari told his friend it was wrong to proposition someone who had been drinking.
Jabari 告訴他的朋友，向喝醉的人提出性要求是不對的。
- solicit
more formal and often used in legal contexts; can also refer to buying services
- make a pass at
less direct and often less offensive than 'proposition'; suggesting romantic or sexual interest
文法句型
proposition + someone
用法筆記
The verb 'proposition' is stronger and more direct than simply 'asking someone out'. It refers specifically to a request for sexual activity, not a romantic date. In many workplace and social settings, propositioning someone can be considered harassment. Avoid using this word casually.