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Postulate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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postulate

[หˆpษ’stjสŠleษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in science

suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief

Synonyms

hypothesize, posit, propose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
postulate

Used mainly in academic, scientific, or philosophical contexts when suggesting a principle or fact that is accepted without proof as the basis for reasoning.

  • Scientists postulate that dark matter makes up most of the universe.
  • In his theory, he postulated the existence of a new particle.
propose

Commonly used in both formal and informal situations when suggesting a plan, idea, or course of action. It can be used in various contexts like meetings, scientific research, or everyday discussions.

  • He proposed a new approach to the project.
  • The scientist proposed a new treatment method.
posit

Generally used in more formal or academic discussions when presenting an idea or assumption as a basis for argument or further investigation.

  • The philosopher posited that reality is a construct of the mind.
  • She posited that the economic downturn was inevitable due to systemic issues.
hypothesize

Typically used in scientific research or experimental contexts when proposing a possible explanation or theory that needs to be tested.

  • The researchers hypothesize that low vitamin D levels are linked to higher incidence of depression.
  • She hypothesized that plants grow faster in blue light.

Examples of usage

  • He postulated a theory that revolutionized the field of physics.
  • The scientist postulated the existence of a new particle based on his observations.
Context #2 | Noun

in philosophy

a statement that is accepted as true without proof and is used as the starting point for a line of reasoning

Synonyms

assumption, axiom, premise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
postulate

This word is often used in scientific, mathematical, or logical contexts to describe a statement that is assumed to be true for the sake of argument or investigation without evidence. It can also be used in a broader sense to propose a theory or idea.

  • The scientist postulated that the unusual weather patterns were due to climate change.
  • In geometry, we postulate that through any two points, there is exactly one straight line.
assumption

It's commonly used in everyday language when something is taken for granted or accepted as true without proof, often for the sake of making a decision or forming an opinion.

  • Her assumption that he would arrive on time turned out to be incorrect.
  • The plan is based on the assumption that funding will be available.
axiom

This word is used in mathematical or logical contexts for a statement or proposition that is regarded as being self-evidently true without requiring proof. Axioms are foundational truths in a system or theory.

  • In Euclidean geometry, one axiom states that through any two points, there is a unique straight line.
  • The principle of equality is an axiom in most legal systems.
premise

Premise is frequently used in logical arguments and philosophical discourse. It refers to a statement or proposition from which another statement is inferred or follows as a conclusion.

  • If the premise of the argument is false, then the conclusion must also be false.
  • The premise of the novel is intriguing: what if humanity could travel faster than the speed of light?

Examples of usage

  • The postulate of free will is a fundamental concept in philosophy.
  • One of the postulates of Euclidean geometry is that a straight line can be drawn between any two points.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In science, postulates form the starting point for theories, helping scientists build on established ideas.
  • For example, postulates in geometry are basic assumptions that serve as the foundation for proofs.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often use postulates to establish fundamental concepts that are taken to be self-evidently true.
  • The concept can lead to debates on whether certain ideas should be accepted without strict proof.

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, postulates help define the rules of a system, like Euclid's five postulates which frame classical geometry.
  • Postulating helps mathematicians explore new ideas by starting with unknown assumptions.

Pop Culture

  • The term has found its way into literature, where authors may suggest postulates as part of a character's reasoning or plot development.
  • In TV shows and movies, characters often postulate scenarios that lead to plot twists or imaginative outcomes.

Origin of 'postulate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'postulare', meaning 'to demand' or 'to ask'.
  • It originally referred to a request or assertion in philosophical discussions.

The word 'postulate' comes from the Latin word 'postulare', which means 'to demand, claim'. In ancient philosophy, a postulate was a proposition that was accepted as true without proof. Over time, the term has evolved to also mean to suggest or assume something as a basis for reasoning. The usage of 'postulate' in science and philosophy has made it a key term in these fields, highlighting the importance of foundational assumptions and hypotheses.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,347, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.