Postulate - Definition

n 1: (logic) a proposition that is accepted as true in order to
provide a basis for logical reasoning [syn: postulate,
posit]
v 1: maintain or assert; "He contended that Communism had no
future" [syn: contend, postulate]
2: take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom; "He posited
three basic laws of nature" [syn: postulate, posit]
3: require as useful, just, or proper; "It takes nerve to do
what she did"; "success usually requires hard work"; "This
job asks a lot of patience and skill"; "This position demands
a lot of personal sacrifice"; "This dinner calls for a
spectacular dessert"; "This intervention does not postulate a
patient's consent" [syn: necessitate, ask, postulate,
need, require, take, involve, call for, demand]
[ant: eliminate, obviate, rid of]