What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
propound
Example
The professor propounded a new theory about the origins of the universe. [propound: verb]
Example
The lawyer propounded a counter-argument to the prosecution's case. [propounded: past tense]
proffer
Example
The company proffered a generous compensation package to the new employee. [proffer: verb]
Example
She proffered her hand in greeting to the new acquaintance. [proffered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Proffer is more commonly used than propound in everyday language. Proffer is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while propound is less common and may not be familiar to some English learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between propound and proffer?
Propound is more formal and academic in tone, while proffer can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile word for ESL learners to use.
