noun / verb
postulate
PAHS-chuh-layt/ˈpɑːstʃəleɪt/
An assumption accepted as true for reasoning, or to make such an assumption.
The algebraic reasoning begins with a postulate assigning a value to the unknown.
Etymology
Latin postulare meant “to ask” or “demand.” In reasoning, the demand is for a proposition to be accepted without proof so that it can serve as a starting point.
In context
they postulate vibration as a source of energy
More examples
- Geometry begins with postulates about points, lines, and planes.
- For this analysis, we postulate that prices stay constant.
- The researchers postulated equal access to food for every animal.
Forms
postulate · postulates · postulated · postulating
postulation noun — The act of assuming something as true.
Similar words
- assumption
- A broader term for something taken to be true.
- axiom
- Usually a foundational principle treated as self-evident or established.
- assume
- Does not necessarily imply a formal basis for reasoning.