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postulate

Pronunciation: /ˈpɒstjʊlət/

The English word “postulate” has 7 meanings listed here.

noun

  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. An axiom.
  4. A requirement; a prerequisite.

verb

  1. To assume as a truthful or accurate premise or axiom, especially as a basis of an argument.
  2. To appoint or request one's appointment to an ecclesiastical office.
  3. To request, demand or claim for oneself.

Etymology

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.

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Definitions are from Wiktionary, extracted by Kaikki.org, and are available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.