postulate

IPA

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Dictionary definition of postulate

To suggest or propose something as a basis for reasoning or further discussion.
"Doctors often postulate potential diagnoses before receiving all the test results."

Detailed meaning of postulate

In mathematics and physics, a postulate is a statement that is accepted as true without proof, as the basis for further reasoning and deductions. In logic, a postulate is a statement that is assumed to be true, and serves as the foundation for a theory or system of reasoning. In a general sense, the word postulate can also be used to describe a statement or assumption that is made as the starting point for a line of reasoning or argument, or as a point of departure for a discussion or debate. In some cases, postulate can also be used as a noun to describe the statement or assumption being proposed.

Example sentences containing postulate

1. Theoretical physicists often postulate new dimensions in order to resolve complex problems.
2. You may postulate a scenario in which life exists on other planets.
3. To make sense of the data, scientists postulate a new form of matter.
4. I would like to postulate a different approach to tackling this issue.
5. Philosophers postulate various theories to explain human nature.
6. We can postulate a correlation between good nutrition and higher performance levels.

History and etymology of postulate

The verb 'postulate' has its origins in Latin, stemming from the word 'postulare,' which means 'to request' or 'to demand.' In ancient Rome, 'postulare' was used to indicate making a formal request or demanding something with conviction. As the word transitioned into English, 'postulate' took on a more abstract sense, representing the act of suggesting or proposing something as a basis for reasoning or further discussion. The etymology of 'postulate' retains its connection to the idea of making a demand or formal request, but in the context of discourse, it implies the presentation of an idea or proposition that is put forward with a degree of conviction, inviting examination, reasoning, and further discussion.

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Further usage examples of postulate

1. In chess, grandmasters postulate potential moves to outmaneuver their opponents.
2. To understand this phenomenon, one might postulate the existence of unseen forces.
3. Students postulate alternative solutions when the given methods prove ineffective.
4. Economists postulate a future where digital currency could dominate the global market.
5. Archaeologists postulate that these ancient artifacts belonged to a prehistoric civilization.
6. You can postulate a hypothesis, but you must also test it.
7. In her book, she decides to postulate a world without technology.
8. If we postulate a universe where time flows backwards, interesting paradoxes arise.
9. In cognitive science, researchers postulate models of the human mind to explain behavior.
10. By analyzing patterns, meteorologists postulate weather conditions for the coming week.
11. To deal with the paradox, they had to postulate an unknown element.
12. In his argument, he decided to postulate a cause-and-effect relationship that was not clearly evident.
13. The scientist will postulate a new hypothesis during the conference.
14. Let's postulate that this theory holds true for our experiment.
15. She dared to postulate a radical solution to the problem.
16. We should postulate a different approach to tackle this issue.
17. Can you postulate a reasonable explanation for this phenomenon?
18. The professor will postulate a novel concept in his lecture.
19. I postulate that teamwork is crucial for our success.
20. They often postulate ideas that challenge conventional wisdom.
21. It's essential to postulate diverse perspectives in our discussions.
22. He didn't hesitate to postulate a daring strategy.
23. She will postulate a solution to bridge this communication gap.
24. Let's postulate a compromise to reach a consensus.