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postulate

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Postulate is defined as to claim, demand or assert something as truth.

(verb)

An example of postulate is to require equality.
An example of postulate is to defend the existence of God.

The definition of a postulate is something accepted as truth and used as the basis for an argument or theory.

(noun)

An example of postulate is the fact that the world is not flat to support the argument of strong scientific development over the centuries.

See postulate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb postulated, postulating

to claim; demand; require
to assume without proof to be true, real, or necessary, esp. as a basis for argument
to take as self-evident; assume

Origin: < L postulatus, pp. of postulare, to demand < base of poscere, to demand < IE *pṛskā, question < base *per-, to ask > Ger frage, question

noun

something postulated; assumption or axiom
a prerequisite
a basic principle

Origin: ModL postulatum < neut. of L postulatus

Related Forms:

postulation noun

See postulate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb pos·tu·lat·ed, pos·tu·lat·ing, pos·tu·lates

To make claim for; demand.
To assume or assert the truth, reality, or necessity of, especially as a basis of an argument.
To assume as a premise or axiom; take for granted. See Synonyms at presume.

noun (pŏsˈchə-lĭt, -lātˌ)

Something assumed without proof as being self-evident or generally accepted, especially when used as a basis for an argument: “the postulate that there is little moral difference between the superpowers” (Henry A. Kissinger).
A fundamental element; a basic principle.
Mathematics An axiom.
A requirement; a prerequisite.

Origin:

Origin: Medieval Latin postulāre, postulāt-, to nominate to a bishopric, to assume

Origin: , from Latin, to request; see prek- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: