postulate

CEFRC1

/ˈpɒstjʊleɪt/

verb · noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To suggest an idea as a basis for reasoning.

  2. 02

    noun

    An idea accepted as true for discussion or reasoning.

Examples

  • We need to postulate a completely different paradigm to explain all these phenomena.

  • 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; […]

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
3

Also pronounced

  • /ˈpɑst͡ʃəˌleɪt/
  • /ˈpɑst͡ʃələt/

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. A fundamental element; a basic principle.

  2. An axiom.

noun

Extra meaning

  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.

More examples

In context

  • [A]lthough Douglas was postulated to it [the Abbacy of Arbroath], and signed letters and papers under this designation his nomination […] was never completed.

  • [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.

  • 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 ;[…]

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Nearby

Origin

verb

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.