postulate
See also: Postulate
English
WOTD – 18 September 2008
Etymology
From Medieval Latin postulāt- (“asked”), from the verb postulāre (“to ask”), from Latin postulō (“request”).
Pronunciation
- Noun
- (UK) enPR: pŏsʹtyo͝o-lət IPA(key): /ˈpɒstjʊlət/
- (US) enPR: pŏsʹchə-lət, pŏsʹchə-lāt', IPA(key): /ˈpɑstʃələt/, /ˈpɑstʃəˌleɪt/
Audio (US) (file) - Hyphenation: pos‧tu‧late
- Adjective
- (UK) enPR: pŏsʹtyo͝o-lət IPA(key): /ˈpɒstjʊlət/
- (US) enPR: pŏsʹchə-lət, IPA(key): /ˈpɑstʃələt/
Audio (US) (file) - Hyphenation: pos‧tu‧late
- Verb
Noun
postulate (plural postulates)
- 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.
- A fundamental element; a basic principle.
- (logic) An axiom.
- A requirement; a prerequisite.
Derived terms
- parallel postulate
- universal postulate
Translations
something assumed without proof as being self-evident or generally accepted
fundamental element; basic principle
logic: an axiom
requirement, prerequisite
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Adjective
postulate (not comparable)
- Postulated.
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Hudibras to this entry?)
Verb
postulate (third-person singular simple present postulates, present participle postulating, simple past and past participle postulated)
- To assume as a truthful or accurate premise or axiom, especially as a basis of an argument.
- 1883, Benedictus de Spinoza, translated by R. H. M. Elwes, Ethics, Part 3, Prop. XXII,
- But this pleasure or pain is postulated to come to us accompanied by the idea of an external cause; […]
- 1911, Encyclopædia Britannica, "Infinite",
- [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.
- 1883, Benedictus de Spinoza, translated by R. H. M. Elwes, Ethics, Part 3, Prop. XXII,
- (transitive, intransitive, Christianity, historical) To appoint or request one's appointment to an ecclesiastical office.
- 1874, John Small (ed.), The Poetical Works of Gavin Douglas, Bishop of Dunkeld, Vol 1, p. xvi
- [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 (ed.), The Poetical Works of Gavin Douglas, Bishop of Dunkeld, Vol 1, p. xvi
- (transitive, intransitive, obsolete) To request, demand or claim for oneself.
Derived terms
Translations
to assume as a premise
to request one's appointment to an ecclesiastical office
Italian
Latin
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