To postulate is to suggest or assume something as a basis for reasoning or argument, even if it is not yet proven. It’s like putting forward a starting idea to build on.
“Postulate” comes from Latin *postulare*, meaning “to ask, demand, claim.” In philosophy and math, it came to mean a basic assumption you “ask” others to accept so you can proceed.
In math and science, postulates are like the rules of a game you agree on before you start playing. Change the postulates, and you can end up in a completely different world—like how changing geometry’s postulates leads to curved spaces and Einstein’s universe.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.