Word
Definition
n. a rule or statement that everyone accepts as true without needing proof. It is the starting point for a bigger idea or a system of math.
n. a self-evident truth that requires no proof to be accepted; a starting proposition in a logical system from which other truths are derived.
Examples
“It is a mathematical axiom that the whole is greater than the part.”
“The entire legal argument was built upon the axiom that all citizens deserve equal protection under the law.”
“In Euclidean geometry, the parallel postulate was long considered an unshakeable axiom until the development of non-Euclidean systems challenged its universal necessity.”
Examples
simple
“It is a mathematical axiom that the whole is greater than the part.”
contextual
“The entire legal argument was built upon the axiom that all citizens deserve equal protection under the law.”
complex
“In Euclidean geometry, the parallel postulate was long considered an unshakeable axiom until the development of non-Euclidean systems challenged its universal necessity.”
Usage
Often used in formal logic, mathematics, and philosophy to describe foundational principles.
Real-World Examples
“When we make the case we have the power to persuade.”
There is a political axiom that if you’re explaining, you’re losing.” “These systems build up mathematics from basic principles or axioms, which means the software can check each step of logic in a result.” “Proverbs have many names: they can be called axioms, old saws, sayings and adages.” Etymology
From Middle French axiome in the 15th century, from Latin axiōma (“axiom; principle”), from Ancient Greek ἀξίωμα (axíōma, “that which is thought to fit, a requisite, that which a pupil is required to know beforehand, a self-evident principle”), from ἀξιόω (axióō, “to think fit or worthy, to require, to demand”), from ἄξιος (áxios, “fit, worthy”, literally “weighing as much as; of like value”), from ἄγω (ágō, “to weigh (down)”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/axiom
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0