Postulate Meaning
/ˈpɒstjʊlət/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounSomething 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.
nounA fundamental element; a basic principle.
Sentence Examples
We need to postulate a completely different paradigm to explain all these phenomena.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The important scientist decided to ____ that the new drug would cure the disease.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The mathematician chose to ____ the existence of a fifth axiom to complete the proof.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Latin poscō? Latin postulō Latin postulātusnom. Latin postulātumbor. English postulate 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.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[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."
— 1911, Infinite, Encyclopædia Britannica:
"[A]lthough Douglas was postulated to it [the Abbacy of Arbroath], and signed letters and papers under this designation his nomination […] was never completed."
— 1874, John Small, editor, The Poetical Works of Gavin Douglas, Bishop of Dunkeld, volume 1, page xvi:
"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 ;[…]"
— 1662 (indicated as 1663), [Samuel Butler], “[The First Part of Hudibras]”, in Hudibras. The First and Second Parts. […], London: […] John Martyn and Henry Herringman, […], published 1678; republished in A[lfred] R[ayney] Waller, editor, Hudibras: Written in the Time of the Late Wars, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: University Press, 1905, →OCLC, page 124:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The important scientist decided to ____ that the new drug would cure the disease.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The mathematician chose to ____ the existence of a fifth axiom to complete the proof.