postulate

²pos·tu·late

noun \ˈpäs-chə-lət, -ˌlāt\

Definition of POSTULATE

1

: a hypothesis advanced as an essential presupposition, condition, or premise of a train of reasoning

2

: axiom 3

Examples of POSTULATE

1. Einstein's theory of relativity was deduced from two postulates.
2. <one of the postulates that the true agnostic rejects is the assumption that it is even possible for us to know whether God exists>

Origin of POSTULATE

Medieval Latin postulatum, from neuter of postulatus, past participle of postulare to assume, from Latin, to demand

First Known Use: 1646

Related to POSTULATE

Synonyms: given, hypothetical, if, assumption, premise (also premiss), presumption, presupposition, supposition

Related Words: hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis; axiom, truism, verity; belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, gospel, law; precept, principle, rule, standard, tenet; basis, foundation, ground; conclusion, deduction, inference; affirmation, assertion, avouchment, declaration; dictum, ipse dixit

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Other Logic Terms

a posteriori, connotation, corollary, inference, mutually exclusive, paradox, syllogism