propound

/prəˈpaʊnd/

Etymology

From the Middle English proponen (“to put forward”), from Latin prōpōnere (“to put forward”), from prō- (“before”) + pōnere (“to put”). Doublet of propose. Compare expound.

Why this word is great

PROPOUND — [Verb] To put forward or offer for consideration, acceptance, or adoption; to propose. From the Latin prōpōnere ("to put forward"), from prō- ("before") + pōnere ("to put"). Unlike "propose" (which suggests casual suggestion) or "expound" (which demands exhaustive explanation), "propound" is the act of laying an idea before the world with deliberate weight, as one might place a chess piece in the center of the board. It is the philosopher presenting a thesis to his peers, the lawyer advancing an argument before the court, or the scientist unveiling a hypothesis—each gesture a quiet challenge, an invitation to scrutiny, the first move in a dance of intellect. To propound is to trust the idea will hold its own.

verb

  1. To put forward; to offer for discussion or debate.“Today I'll expound at length the theory that I propounded last year.”