Word
postulate
Phoneticspos·tu·late, stress on the first syllable
/ˈpɑstʃəˌɫeɪt/
Definition
v. to suggest that something is true or exists, especially so you can use it as a starting point for an idea or argument.
v. to suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of something as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief. Often used in scientific or philosophical contexts to establish a starting premise.
Examples
“Scientists postulate that there is water on that distant planet.”
“The researchers postulate that the new virus spreads more quickly in cold weather, though they need more data to be certain.”
“Modern economic theories often postulate that individuals act rationally to maximize their own utility, even when real-world behavior suggests a more complicated psychological motivation.”
Examples
simple
“Scientists postulate that there is water on that distant planet.”
contextual
“The researchers postulate that the new virus spreads more quickly in cold weather, though they need more data to be certain.”
complex
“Modern economic theories often postulate that individuals act rationally to maximize their own utility, even when real-world behavior suggests a more complicated psychological motivation.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “postulate” in context.
Verb
01. postulate that
“Scientists postulate that the universe will continue to expand indefinitely.”
verb + that-clause
Noun
02. postulate existence
“Physicists postulate the existence of dark matter to explain galactic rotation.”
verb + noun
03. postulate link
“The researchers postulate a direct link between diet and cognitive decline.”
verb + noun
04. postulate mechanism
“Biologists postulate a mechanism by which cells repair damaged DNA.”
verb + noun
05. postulate theory
“He was the first to postulate a theory regarding the origin of these artifacts.”
verb + noun
06. postulate a relationship between
“Economists postulate a relationship between interest rates and consumer spending.”
07. postulate as a basis
“We must postulate these axioms as a basis for our geometric proof.”
08. widely postulated that
“It is widely postulated that the climate shift led to the civilization's collapse.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and typically takes a 'that' clause or a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“The "capture" hypothesis, meanwhile, postulates that the moons are asteroids captured by Mars' gravity.” “The ideas behind them were crucial for advancing medicine and formalizing the germ theory of disease. Over the last century, these postulates have been updated as medicine has advanced.” Etymology
From Latin postulātus or postulātum, or alternatively a substantivation of postulātus, the perfect passive participle of postulō ("to request"). The noun-forming suffix -ate supplied the English form; compare French postulat.
From Latin postulātus, the perfect passive participle of postulō ("to request"), with the verb-forming suffix -ate. Compare French postuler.
From Latin postulātus, the perfect passive participle of postulō ("request"), with the adjective-forming suffix -ate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Domain
- 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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