axiom

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A seemingly self-evident or necessary truth which is based on assumption; a principle or proposition which cannot actually be proved or disproved.

   Near-synonyms: given, facticity

2. 2
   noun

   A fundamental assumption that serves as a basis for deduction of theorems; a postulate (sometimes distinguished from postulates as being universally applicable, whereas postulates are particular to a certain science or context).

   Holonym: formal system

3. 3
   noun

   An established principle in some artistic practice or science that is universally received.

   The axioms of political economy cannot be considered absolute truths.

4. 4
   noun

   (logic) a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof

5. 5
   noun

   a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits

Etymology

From Middle French axiome in the 15th century, from Latin axiōma (“axiom; principle”), from Ancient Greek ἀξίωμα (axíōma, “that which is thought to fit, a requisite, that which a pupil is required to know beforehand, a self-evident principle”), from ἀξιόω (axióō, “to think fit or worthy, to require, to demand”), from ἄξιος (áxios, “fit, worthy”, literally “weighing as much as; of like value”), from ἄγω (ágō, “to weigh (down)”).