A proposition is an idea or plan that someone puts forward for others to consider. When your teacher makes a proposition that the class should have a pizza party if everyone finishes their book reports on time, she's suggesting a deal. When a city council considers a proposition to build a new library, they're discussing a formal proposal that citizens will vote on.

The word comes from business and politics, where people constantly propose ideas and negotiate agreements. A business proposition might be: “I'll mow your lawn every week for twenty dollars.” That's a clear offer that the other person can accept or reject.

In formal voting, a proposition appears on a ballot as a specific question citizens can vote yes or no on, like Proposition 15 to fund new school buildings. These propositions often get numbered so people can discuss and debate them clearly.

The word also appears in mathematics and logic, where a proposition is a statement that's either true or false, like “seven is greater than five.” In everyday conversation, you might hear someone say “that's a tough proposition,” meaning something would be difficult to accomplish or accept.

When you make a proposition, you're presenting something concrete and specific enough that others can seriously consider it, discuss it, and decide whether to agree to it.