proponent

UK: /prəˈpəʊnənt/ | US: /prəˈpoʊnənt/

Definition

  1. n. a person who advocates or supports a theory, proposal, or project

  2. n. (archaic) one who puts forward a proposition or argument

Structure
pro <forward>pon <put>ent <noun suffix (agent)>
Etymology

Derived from Latin prōpōnere ("to put forward"), combining pro- (forward) and ponere (to put). The suffix -ent marks the agent (one who performs the action). The word entered English in the 16th century, retaining its core sense of advocating or proposing ideas. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: "putting forward" → "one who puts forward."

Examples

  1. She was a vocal proponent of renewable energy policies.

  2. The senator is a leading proponent of healthcare reform.

  3. Early proponents of the theory faced strong opposition.

  4. As a proponent of free speech, he defended controversial opinions.

  5. The proposal’s proponents argued it would boost economic growth.