postulate
/'pɔstjuleit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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
- (logic) a proposition that is accepted as true in order to provide a basis for logical reasoning
Verb
- 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
- take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom
- He posited three basic laws of nature
- maintain or assert
- He contended that Communism had no future