postulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "postulate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are suggesting or assuming something as a basis for reasoning or argument. Example: "In our discussion, we will postulate that all humans have an inherent desire for connection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As far as an actual lightsaber is concerned, scientists postulate that this technique could conceivably be used to form 3D structures made of light.

The Guardian - Film

Sometimes those results confirm the postulate; sometimes they confound it.

The Economist

In the 1960s Mr Phelps and Milton Friedman, working independently, were the first to postulate the idea of a natural rate of unemployment.

The Economist

I'll postulate that this all part of an elaborate plug for the movie "Surrogates", (coming soon to a theatre near you).

The Economist

The theory has many implications of importance to economists, including the postulate that those paid more than others to do the same job will end up enjoying the work less.This is surely the area of most interest to economists and psychologists.

The Economist

However, one could postulate a poleward shift in the Atlantic depression track, and that would leave much of Europe Scotland, Iceland and Norway excepted with less rain in all seasons and much more prone to water shortages.Tropical revolving storms (variously known as hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones) have been regarded as particularly sensitive to a changing global climate.

The Economist

These theories postulate the existence of hitherto unobserved particles of the sort that CERN will be looking for when the LHC is finished.

The Economist

Scientific optimism after the second world war led a leading American oncologist, Sidney Farber, to talk in 1962 of the underlying "singularity" of cancer, and to postulate a "universal cure".

The Economist

(Brout died in 2011, but the four others are still alive and all are in the running for the Nobel prize).One reason for Mr Higgs's pre-eminence is that he was the only one to postulate a new particle, though this was something he added only after a journal rejected an earlier draft of his paper for lacking a "practical application" (by which physicists mean a testable claim).

The Economist

The postulate they had planned to test was that the first stars to form after the Big Bang would have left some signs of themselves in the form of radio waves.

The Economist

And he was the first to postulate that the laws of physics would be the same all over the universe.In this section The road ahead Change of heart Fighting forces Magician's brain All that jazz ReprintsNewton's genius was recognised while he was a young scholar at Cambridge.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "postulate" when introducing a concept or idea that serves as the foundation for further reasoning or argumentation. It is particularly useful in academic or scientific contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "postulate" in everyday conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "suggest" or "assume" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "postulate" functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to assume something as true, especially as a basis for reasoning. As a noun, it refers to a statement that is assumed to be true. Ludwig confirms that the word is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "postulate" serves as a cornerstone in formal discourse, especially in scientific and academic realms. As affirmed by Ludwig, it denotes either the act of assuming something as a fundamental truth (verb) or the statement of that assumption itself (noun). Its primary role is to introduce foundational concepts for reasoning. While grammatically sound, its formal tone suggests restraint in informal settings. Ludwig's examples highlight the term's common presence in Science and News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hypothesize

Similar in meaning, but often implies a more formal or scientific context.

theorize

Focuses on developing a theory, often with less initial evidence.

posit

A more formal synonym, often used in philosophical or academic discussions.

assume

A general term for taking something as true without proof; less formal.

presume

Suggests a belief based on probability or likelihood.

surmise

To infer something without strong evidence; more speculative.

conjecture

Suggests a guess or speculation, often without much supporting evidence.

speculate

To form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence.

suggest

A milder way of proposing an idea or possibility.

put forward

To present an idea or plan for consideration or discussion.

FAQs

How is "postulate" typically used in a sentence?

The word "postulate" is used to introduce an idea or principle that is assumed to be true, especially as a basis for reasoning. For example: "Scientists "postulate" that this technique could be used to form 3D structures of light."

What are some synonyms for "postulate"?

Alternatives to "postulate" include "hypothesize", "theorize", "posit", or "assume". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

When is it appropriate to use "postulate" instead of "assume"?

"Postulate" is more formal than "assume" and suggests a more deliberate and reasoned basis for the proposition. Use "postulate" when introducing a fundamental principle or starting point for a more complex argument.

What's the difference between "postulate" and "hypothesize"?

While both words involve proposing an idea, "hypothesize" often refers to a specific, testable prediction. "Postulate" is broader and can refer to a foundational assumption or principle that may not be directly testable.