'proponent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'proponere,' where 'pro-' meant 'forward' and 'ponere' meant 'to put or place.'

'proponere' transformed into the Late Latin word 'proponentem,' and eventually became the modern English word 'proponent.'

Initially, it meant 'one who puts forward a proposal,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'advocate or supporter.'