'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' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'one who puts forward a proposal,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.