# postulate

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈpɒstjʊlət/ · frequency rank #47,269

## Definitions
1. Something assumed without proof as being self-evident or generally accepted, especially when used as a basis for an argument. Sometimes distinguished from axioms as being relevant to a particular science or context, rather than universally true, and following from other axioms rather than being an absolute assumption.
2. A fundamental element; a basic principle.
3. An axiom.
4. A requirement; a prerequisite.

## Etymology
From Latin postulātus or Latin postulātum. Alternatively, a substantivation of Latin postulātus, perfect passive participle of postulō (“to request”), see -ate (noun-forming suffix) for more. Compare French postulat.

## Easily confused with
- **populate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/populate-vs-postulate)

## Common misspellings (13)
`opstulate`, `posstulate`, `postluate`, `posttulate`, `postualte`, `postulaet`, `postulatte`, `postullate`, `postultae`, `posutlate`, `potsulate`, `ppostulate`, `psotulate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/postulate