postulate

Something assumed without proof as being self-evident or generally accepted, especially when used as a basis for an argument. Sometimes distinguished from axioms as being relevant to a particular science or context, rather than universally true, and following from other axioms rather than being an absolute assumption.

Noun

  1. Something assumed without proof as being self-evident or generally accepted, especially when used as a basis for an argument. Sometimes distinguished from axioms as being relevant to a particular science or context, rather than universally true, and following from other axioms rather than being an absolute assumption.
  2. A fundamental element; a basic principle.
  3. An axiom.
  4. A requirement; a prerequisite.

Origin

Etymology tree Latin poscō? Latin postulō Latin postulātusnom. Latin postulātumbor. English postulate Borrowed from Latin postulātum, a neuter nominalization of postulātus, perfect passive participle of postulō, possibly from poscō. See -ate (noun-forming suffix) for more. Cognate with French postulat.

Forms

postulates

Derived

Bertrand's postulate Hebb's postulate Koch's postulate parallel postulate universal postulate

Verb Entry 2

  1. To assume as a truthful or accurate premise or axiom, especially as a basis of an argument.
    • 1883, Benedictus de Spinoza, translated by R. H. M. Elwes, Ethics, Part 3, Prop. XXII, But this pleasure or pain is postulated to come to us accompanied by the idea of an external cause; […]
    • [T]he attempt to arrive at a physical explanation of existence led the Ionian thinkers to postulate various primal elements or simply the infinite τὸ ἀπειρον. - 1911, Infinite, Encyclopædia Britannica:
  2. To appoint or request one's appointment to an ecclesiastical office.
    • [A]lthough Douglas was postulated to it [the Abbacy of Arbroath], and signed letters and papers under this designation his nomination […] was never completed. - 1874, John Small, editor, The Poetical Works of Gavin...
  3. To request, demand or claim for oneself.

Origin

From Latin postulātus, perfect passive participle of postulō (“to request”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix) for more. Cognate with French postuler.

Forms

postulates postulating postulated

Derived

postulation postulational repostulate unpostulated

Verb alt of, alternative

  1. Alternative form of postulated, past participle of postulate.
    • Quoth he, What Nature can afford, I shall produce upon my word ; And if she ever gave that boon To man, I'll prove that I have one ; I mean, by postulate Illation, When you shall offer just occasion ;[…] - 1662...

Origin

From Latin postulātus, perfect passive participle of postulō (“to request”), see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) for more.