Words / C1

POST-y-ul-ayt/ˈpɒstjʊleɪt/

To postulate is to put something forward as a starting claim, without yet proving it: postulate an n, a postulated spare. Assume (already in the dictionary) is everyday; a guess is not a cell.

Meaning

To suggest something as a basis for reasoning, without yet proving it (from assume, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “Do not postulate an n; put the raw count in the cell.”
• “Assume is already in this course. Posit is the close twin. A guess is a slogan. A codebook line is methods. Write the raw number; then mark it postulated if the rule still allows it.”

Good to know

Put forward as a starting claim. Everyday: assume (already in the dictionary). A guess ≠ a filled n.

Near in meaning

posit, assume, hypothesise

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