POSTULATE

n. a. v.

6 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)


1.
n.

Something demanded or asserted; especially, a position or supposition assumed without proof, or one which is considered as self-evident; a truth to which assent may be demanded or challenged, without argument or evidence.

2.
n.

The enunciation of a self-evident problem, in distinction from an axiom, which is the enunciation of a self-evident theorem. The distinction between a postulate and an axiom lies in this, -- that the latter is admitted to be self-evident, while the former may be agreed upon between two reasoners, and admitted by both, but not as proposition which it would be impossible to deny. Eng. Cyc.

3.
a.

Postulated. [Obs.] Hudibras.

4.
v.

To beg, or assume without proof; as, to postulate conclusions.

5.
v.

To take without express consent; to assume. The Byzantine emperors appear to have . . . postulated a sort of paramount supremacy over this nation. W. Tooke.

6.
v.

To invite earnestly; to solicit. [Obs.] Bp. Burnet.


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