postulate
postulate Lexical Profile
postulate Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To suggest, assume, or put forward the existence, fact, or truth of something as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief.
"Astrophysicists postulate the existence of dark matter to explain the rotational speeds of galaxies."
To nominate or request the appointment of a candidate to an ecclesiastical office where a canonical impediment exists, subject to dispensation by a higher authority (in ecclesiastical law).
"The cathedral chapter voted to postulate the bishop for the vacant metropolitan see."
• noun
A statement, proposition, or fundamental principle accepted as true without proof to serve as a basis for mathematical, scientific, or philosophical reasoning.
"Euclid's parallel postulate remained one of the most intensely studied propositions in the history of geometry."
A necessary condition, prerequisite, or essential requirement for something else to exist or occur.
"Mutual trust is a fundamental postulate of any lasting diplomatic agreement."
Word Nuance & Usage
Like many words ending in '-ate', 'postulate' is a heteronym: the verb is pronounced with a long 'a' sound (/ˈpɒstjʊleɪt/), whereas the noun is pronounced with a reduced schwa (/ˈpɒstjʊlət/). In mathematics and logic, a postulate is sometimes distinguished from an axiom by being specific to a particular subject (such as geometry) rather than a universal logical truth, though modern usage often treats them interchangeably.
• Rhymes for postulate
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Latin 'postulatum' ('a demand, request') and 'postulatus', the past participle of 'postulare' ('to ask, demand, or claim'), which is related to 'poscere' ('to ask urgently'). In classical logic, the term translated Aristotle's Greek 'aitema' ('a request'), referring to a foundational premise that a speaker asks the listener to grant without proof so an argument can proceed.