postulate

Etymology

From Medieval Latin postulāt- (“asked”), from the verb postulāre (“to ask”), from Latin postulō (“request”).

noun

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. (logic) An axiom.
4. A requirement; a prerequisite.

adj

1. Postulated.

verb

1. To assume as a truthful or accurate premise or axiom, especially as a basis of an argument.
   1883, Benedictus de Spinoza, translated by R. H. M. Elwes, Ethics, Part 3, Prop. XXII, But this pleasure or pain is postulated to come to us accompanied by the idea of an external cause; […]
   [T]he attempt to arrive at a physical explanation of existence led the Ionian thinkers to postulate various primal elements or simply the infinite τὸ ἀπειρον. 1911, Infinite, Encyclopædia Britannica
2. (transitive, intransitive, Christianity, historical) To appoint or request one's appointment to an ecclesiastical office.
   [A]lthough Douglas was postulated to it [the Abbacy of Arbroath], and signed letters and papers under this designation his nomination […] was never completed. 1874, John Small, editor, The Poetical Works of Gavin Douglas, Bishop of Dunkeld, volume 1, page xvi
3. (transitive, intransitive, obsolete) To request, demand or claim for oneself.