Postulate: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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?