资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Proposition \Prop`o*si"tion\, n. [L. propositio: cf. F.
   proposition. See {Propound}.]
   1. The act of setting or placing before; the act of offering.
      ``Oblations for the altar of proposition.'' --Jer. Taylor.

   2. That which is proposed; that which is offered, as for
      consideration, acceptance, or adoption; a proposal; as,
      the enemy made propositions of peace; his proposition was
      not accepted.

   3. A statement of religious doctrine; an article of faith;
      creed; as, the propositions of Wyclif and Huss.

            Some persons . . . change their propositions
            according as their temporal necessities or
            advantages do turn.                   --Jer. Taylor.

   4. (Gram. & Logic) A complete sentence, or part of a sentence
      consisting of a subject and predicate united by a copula;
      a thought expressed or propounded in language; a from of
      speech in which a predicate is affirmed or denied of a
      subject; as, snow is white.

   5. (Math.) A statement in terms of a truth to be
      demonstrated, or of an operation to be performed.

   Note: It is called a theorem when it is something to be
         proved, and a problem when it is something to be done.

   6. (Rhet.) That which is offered or affirmed as the subject
      of the discourse; anything stated or affirmed for
      discussion or illustration.

   7. (Poetry) The part of a poem in which the author states the
      subject or matter of it.

   {Leaves of proposition} (Jewish Antiq.), the showbread.
      --Wyclif (Luke vi. 4).

   Syn: Proposal; offer; statement; declaration.

   Usage: {Proposition}, {Proposal}. These words are both from
          the Latin verb proponere, to set forth, and as here
          compared they mark different forms or stages of a
          negotiation. A proposition is something presented for
          discussion or consideration; as, propositions of
          peace. A proposal is some definite thing offered by
          one party to be accepted or rejected by the other. If
          the proposition is favorably received, it is usually
          followed by proposals which complete the arrangement.