The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word POSITED
P
O
S
I
T
E
D
More clues leading to the result POSITED
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "put forward" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case put forward = posited.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does POSITED mean?
POSITED verb- Assume the existence of; to postulate.
- Propose for consideration or study; to suggest.
- Put (something somewhere) firmly; to place or position.