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Postulate vs Definition - What's the difference?

postulate | definition |

As nouns the difference between postulate and definition

is that postulate is something assumed without proof as being self-evident or generally accepted, especially when used as a basis for an argument while definition is a statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol (dictionary definitions).

As a verb postulate

is to assume as a truthful or accurate premise or axiom, especially as a basis of an argument.

As an adjective postulate

is postulated.

postulate

Noun

(en noun)
  • Something assumed without proof as being self-evident or generally accepted, especially when used as a basis for an argument.
  • A fundamental element; a basic principle.
  • (logic) An axiom.
  • A requirement; a prerequisite.
  • Verb

    (postulat)
  • To assume as a truthful or accurate premise or axiom, especially as a basis of an argument.
  • * 1883 , , Prop. XXII,
  • But this pleasure or pain is postulated to come to us accompanied by the idea of an external cause;
  • * 1911 , Encyclopædia Britannica , "",
  • [T]he attempt to arrive at a physical explanation of existence led the Ionian thinkers to postulate various primal elements or simply the infinite ?? ???????.
  • (ambitransitive, Christianity, historical) To appoint or request one's appointment to an ecclesiastical office.
  • * 1874 , John Small (ed.), The Poetical Works of Gavin Douglas, Bishop of Dunkeld , Vol 1, p. xvi
  • [A]lthough Douglas was postulated to it [the Abbacy of Arbroath], and signed letters and papers under this designation his nomination was never completed.
  • (ambitransitive, obsolete) To request, demand or claim for oneself.
  • Adjective

    (-)
  • Postulated.
  • (Hudibras)
    English heteronyms ----

    definition

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (semantics) A statement of the meaning of a word or word group or a sign or symbol (dictionary definitions).
  • A statement expressing the essential nature of something; formulation
  • The action or process of defining.
  • The act of defining; determination of the limits.
  • A product of defining.
  • The action or power of describing, explaining, or making definite and clear.
  • Her comic genius is beyond definition .
  • Clarity of visual presentation, distinctness of outline or detail.
  • The definition of a telescope.
    Improve the definition of an image.
  • Clarity, especially of musical sound in reproduction.
  • Sharp demarcation of outlines or limits.
  • A jacket with distinct waist definition .
  • (bodybuilding) The degree to which individual muscles are distinct on the body.
  • (programming) A statement which provides a previous declaration with a value or body of a subroutine (in the case of function).
  • (mathematics) A statement that establishes the referent of a term or notation.
  • Synonyms

    * See also

    Derived terms

    * circular definition * conceptual definition * definition by example * definition by pointing * dictionary definition * enumerative definition * extensional definition * intensional definition * lexical definition * operational definition * ostensive definition * precising definition * recursive definition * stipulative definition * working definition