postulate

C2+ Topic:Abstract Ideas

US /ˈpɑstʃəˌleɪt/ UK /ˈpɒstjʊleɪt/ See IPA manual

verb noun

Meanings

1

verb
to assume the existence of something as a basis for reasoning

The theory postulates a force that cannot yet be measured.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to assume the existence of... assume posit presuppose hypothesize propose premise stipulate

Word family

Derived forms postulationpostulatorpostulant

Etymology

From Latin postulatus, past participle of postulare ('to demand, claim, request').

postulāre Latin

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Topics

Abstract Ideas Word Formation & Derivatives

# postulate

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2+
**Part of speech:** verb, noun
**IPA (US):** ˈpɑstʃəˌleɪt
**IPA (UK):** ˈpɒstjʊleɪt

## Meanings
1. to assume the existence of something as a basis for reasoning

## Examples
- The theory postulates a force that cannot yet be measured.

## Synonyms
- assume
- posit
- presuppose
- hypothesize
- propose
- premise
- stipulate

## Derived Forms
- postulation
- postulator
- postulant

## Related Forms
- postulation
- postulant

## Roots and Affixes
- Root: postulāre

## Etymology
From Latin postulatus, past participle of postulare ('to demand, claim, request').

## AI Etymology
Postulate comes from Latin postulatus, past participle of postulare ('to demand, claim, request'). The historical trail runs through Latin postulāre. In modern use it means to assume the existence of something as a basis for reasoning. Derived formations include postulation, postulator, postulant; related forms include postulation, postulant.

## Topics
- Abstract Ideas
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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postulate

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