pos·tu·late /ˈpɑsʧəˌlet/
假定,基本條件(vt.)要求,假定(vi.)要求
pos·tu·late /ˈpɑsʧələt, ˌlet/ 名詞
postulate
公設
Pos·tu·late n.
1. Something demanded or asserted; especially, a position or supposition assumed without proof, or one which is considered as self-evident; a truth to which assent may be demanded or challenged, without argument or evidence.
2. Geom. The enunciation of a self-evident problem, in distinction from an axiom, which is the enunciation of a self-evident theorem.
The distinction between a postulate and an axiom lies in this, -- that the latter is admitted to be self-evident, while the former may be agreed upon between two reasoners, and admitted by both, but not as proposition which it would be impossible to deny. --Eng. Cyc.
Pos·tu·late, a. Postulated. [Obs.]
Pos·tu·late v. t. [imp. & p. p. Postulated p. pr. & vb. n. Postulating.]
1. To beg, or assume without proof; as, to postulate conclusions.
2. To take without express consent; to assume.
The Byzantine emperors appear to have . . . postulated a sort of paramount supremacy over this nation. --W. Tooke.
3. To invite earnestly; to solicit. [Obs.]
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postulate
n : (logic) a proposition that is accepted as true in order to
provide a basis for logical reasoning [syn: posit]
v 1: maintain or assert; "He contended that Communism had no
future" [syn: contend]
2: take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom; "He posited
three basic laws of nature" [syn: 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
postulates a patient's consent" [syn: necessitate, ask,
need, require, take, involve, call for, demand]
[ant: obviate]