WordVale

postulate

/ˈpɒstʃəleɪt/  ·  say it: POS·tyuh·layt

to assume as a basis for reasoning

In Formal & Academic

In more detail

1. (verb) to suggest or assume something is true without proof, especially as a basis for reasoning

2. (noun) something assumed to be true without proof; a basic principle or assumption

Examples

• 1. The scientist postulated that water exists on Mars before any evidence was found. 2. One of the basic postulates of geometry is that parallel lines never meet.

Nearby in Formal & Academic

paradigm, paramount, phenomenon, preclude, premise, presuppose