proposition
part of speech
noun (a proposition, propositions); verb (proposition, propositioned — rare, informal)
meaning for a pupil
1) An idea, plan or offer that is suggested, especially in business: a business proposition. tree →
2) (maths, logic) A statement that is either true or false: «7 is odd» is a true proposition. tree →
3) A task or thing to deal with, described in a certain way: «That hill is a tough proposition». tree →
4) (verb, informal) To make an improper suggestion to someone (adult use). tree →
sense in the lessons
In maths and logic, propositions are statements you test: true or false; puzzles and proofs use them. In business and stories, characters make propositions: «I have a proposition for you». In everyday speech «a different proposition» means a different kind of challenge. Formal voice. Phrases: «a business proposition», «an attractive proposition», «a tough proposition», «a different proposition».
examples
- «All squares have four sides» is a true proposition. tree →
- Is the proposition «10 is odd» true or false? tree →
- The pirate had a proposition for the sailors. tree →
- Climbing the mountain in winter is a tough proposition. tree →
- Selling lemonade was a good business proposition. tree →
- The idea of a free trip was an attractive proposition. tree →
- Prove the proposition step by step. tree →
- The proposition pleased the two others, and they set out on their way together. tree →
note
Countable: propositions. Related: propose, proposal (a proposal is more common for plans). The verb use is adult and rare; children need the noun senses.
Trees and pragmatics
Every meaning and example of «proposition» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.