Definition

1. Noun:

   • (Logic, Mathematics) A fundamental proposition or assumption: A statement or principle that is accepted as true without proof, serving as a starting point for further reasoning or argument. It is a basic premise upon which a theory or system is built.

2. Verb:

   • To assume or assert the existence, truth, or necessity of something as a basis for reasoning: To put forward a proposition or idea as a given fact or necessary condition, often as the foundation for an argument or theory.
   • To require or demand as a necessary condition or prerequisite: To stipulate that something must be the case or be provided.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • One of the basic postulates of Euclidean geometry is that a straight line can be drawn between any two points.
  • The economic theory is built upon the postulate of rational human behavior.

• Verb:

  • The author postulates that all human action is motivated by self-interest.
  • This model postulates a constant rate of growth.
  • The treaty postulates mutual respect between the signatory nations.

Advanced Usage

• "To postulate that...": A common structure used to introduce a foundational assumption.
  • Einstein postulated that the speed of light is constant for all observers.
• Used in formal, academic, or scientific contexts: The word is most commonly found in discussions of logic, philosophy, mathematics, and theoretical sciences.
  • The researcher postulated a new mechanism for the chemical reaction.

Variants and Related Words

• Postulation (n): The act of postulating or the thing postulated.
  • The postulation of dark matter helped explain galactic rotation.
• Postulator (n): One who postulates.
• Postulational (adj): Of or relating to postulates.
  • A postulational approach to geometry.

Synonyms

• Noun: Axiom, premise, assumption, presumption, hypothesis (when treated as a starting point).
• Verb: Propose, posit, presuppose, assume, hypothesize, stipulate, require.

Related Phrases

• "Taken as a postulate": Accepted as a foundational truth.
  • The indivisibility of the atom was taken as a postulate in early theories.
• "Fundamental postulate": A basic, underlying assumption.
  • The fundamental postulate of democracy is the equality of all citizens.

Idioms

No common idioms are directly formed from the word "postulate". Its usage is primarily technical and formal.

Noun

1. (logic) a proposition that is accepted as true in order to provide a basis for logical reasoning

Verb

1. require as useful, just, or proper
   • It takes nerve to do what she did
   • success usually requires hard work
   • This job asks a lot of patience and skill
   • This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice
   • This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert
   • This intervention does not postulate a patient's consent
2. take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom
   • He posited three basic laws of nature
3. maintain or assert
   • He contended that Communism had no future