suggest

[suhg-jest, suh-]

verb (used with object)

1. to mention or introduce (an idea, proposition, plan, etc.) for consideration or possible action.

   The architect suggested that the building be restored.

2. to propose (a person or thing) as suitable or possible for some purpose.

   We suggested him for president.

   Synonyms: advise, recommend

3. (of things) to prompt the consideration, making, doing, etc., of.

   The glove suggests that she was at the scene of the crime.

4. to bring before a person's mind indirectly or without plain expression.

   I didn't tell him to leave, I only suggested it.

   Synonyms: imply, indicate

5. to call (something) up in the mind through association or natural connection of ideas.

   The music suggests a still night.

suggest

/ səˈdʒɛst, səɡˈdʒɛst /

verb

1. to put forward (a plan, idea, etc) for consideration

   I suggest Smith for the post

   a plan suggested itself

2. to evoke (a person, thing, etc) in the mind of someone by the association of ideas

   that painting suggests home to me

3. to give an indirect or vague hint of

   his face always suggests his peace of mind

Other Word Forms

• suggestedness noun
• suggester noun
• suggestingly adverb
• presuggest verb (used with object)
• unsuggested adjective
• unsuggesting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suggest¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin suggestus (past participle of suggerere “to build up, supply, hint, suggest”), equivalent to sug- sug- + ges- (past participle stem of gerere “to carry, do, display”) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of suggest¹

C16: from Latin suggerere to bring up, from _sub- + gerere to bring

Synonym Study

See hint.

Example Sentences

Polls have suggested that the party is competing to come first in next year's Senedd election.

From BBC

The party's 2024 manifesto - which it called a "contract" - suggested it could save £30bn every year for the next 25 years by ending subsidies related to renewable power generation and emission reductions.

From BBC

"The initial reaction suggests markets are focused on Fed rate cuts rather than concerns about a cooling economy," said Ellen Zentner, chief economic Strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

From BBC

Even among those who voted to pause weapons shipments, the accompanying statements suggest that their votes are intended as symbolic opposition to the current humanitarian situation and not necessarily to Israel’s larger bombardment of Gaza.

From Salon

When Paetongtarn became the PM, it was seen as a comeback for the family - but her dismissal suggests they have again lost favour with the conservative-royalist elite.

From BBC

Related Words

• advise 
• advocate 
• offer 
• propose 
• put 
• recommend 
• submit