Definition of "postulate"

postulate

/ˈpɒstjʊlət/

noun
plural postulates
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.
2. A fundamental element; a basic principle.
3. (logic) An axiom.
4. A requirement; a prerequisite.
adjective
not comparable
1. Postulated.
  Quotations
  postulate Illation
  1662, [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: University Press, 1905
verb
third-person singular simple present postulates, present participle postulating, simple past and past participle postulated
1. To assume as a truthful or accurate premise or axiom, especially as a basis of an argument.
  Quotations
  But this pleasure or pain is postulated to come to us accompanied by the idea of an external cause; […]
  1883, Benedictus de Spinoza, translated by R. H. M. Elwes, Ethics, Part 3, Prop. XXII
  [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
2. (transitive, intransitive, Christianity, historical) To appoint or request one's appointment to an ecclesiastical office.
  Quotations
  [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
3. (transitive, intransitive, obsolete) To request, demand or claim for oneself.

Definition of "postulate"

postulate

noun

adjective

Quotations

verb

Quotations

Quotations