postulate
UK: /ˈpɒstjʊleɪt/ | US: /ˈpɑːstʃəleɪt/
vt. to suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of something as a basis for reasoning or discussion
n. a fundamental principle or assumption, especially in logic or mathematics
postulate = postul<demand> + ate<verb suffix>
- postul (from Latin postulare, meaning "to demand" or "to claim")
- ate (a verb-forming suffix in English, indicating action or process)
Etymology Origin:
The word "postulate" traces back to Latin postulare, which carried the sense of making a formal demand or request. Over time, it evolved into a logical and mathematical term, reflecting the idea of asserting a foundational assumption without immediate proof. The suffix -ate standardizes it as a verb in English, aligning with similar Latinate formations like "calculate" or "formulate."
Scientists often postulate theories before gathering empirical evidence.
Euclid's fifth postulate is fundamental to classical geometry.
The lawyer postulated that the defendant acted in self-defense.
In philosophy, we must sometimes postulate abstract concepts to explain reality.
The study postulates a correlation between sleep deprivation and cognitive decline.