postulate

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (logic) a proposition that is accepted as true in order to provide a basis for logical reasoning
  2. verb maintain or assert
  3. verb take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

posit

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