counter-proposal
UK[ˈkaʊn.tə.prəˌpəʊ.zəl]US[ˈkaʊn.t̬ɚ.prəˌpoʊ.zəl]
n
an offer or plan made in opposition to another offer or plan that has already been made.
Morpheme Breakdown
counter
proposal
counter
against
proposal
offer
Etymology
The word 'counter-proposal' is a modern English compound formed by transparently combining two established elements. The prefix 'counter-' originates from the Latin preposition contra, meaning "against," which entered English via Anglo-French, carrying its sense of opposition. The noun 'proposal' derives from the Latin verb proponere, "to put forth," via Old French. The compound's logic is entirely literal and syntactic: it is a proposal made against or in direct response to a preceding one, perfectly preserving the core meanings of its constituent parts. This construction exemplifies how English readily creates precise, self-explanatory terminology by joining Latinate prefixes with Romance-based nouns.
Analysis
Structure: counter (against) + proposal (offer)
- counter: From Anglo-French/Latin contra, meaning "against, opposite." In this compound, it functions as a prefix indicating opposition or response.
- proposal: From the verb propose, itself from Latin proponere (pro- "forth" + ponere "to put"). In this compound, it functions as the noun meaning "an offer or plan put forward."
Examples
The union rejected the management's offer and presented a detailed counter-proposal.
Her counter-proposal included a shorter contract duration but higher compensation.
After lengthy debate, the committee decided to accept the initial plan rather than the counter-proposal.