Words / C2

AKS-ee-uh-m/ˈæksiəm/

An axiom is a statement accepted as true without proof, as a starting point: a mathematical axiom, it is an axiom that. A principle (already in the dictionary) is a moral or organising rule; a shibboleth (already in the dictionary) is an in-group test phrase, often stale. Sententious (already in the dictionary) is pompously moralising, of tone. A blank cell is not a philosophy.

Meaning

A statement accepted as true without proof, as a starting point for further reasoning.

Examples

• ““The n is a number” is an axiom; a blank cell is not a worldview.”
• “A principle is a basic rule (already in B2). A shibboleth is an in-group password (already in C2). Sententious is pompously moralising (already in C2). A short true starting-point can still be exact. A motto that never states the cell is branding. Write the number; leave the worldview.”

Good to know

A starting truth taken as given. Everyday: first principle. Close: principle (already in B2). Contrast: shibboleth (stale in-group test — already in C2). A blank cell is not a theory.

Near in meaning

principle, maxim, postulate, truism

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