postulate

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. An axiom.
4. A requirement; a prerequisite.

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.”

2. (ambitransitive, 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.”

3. (ambitransitive, obsolete)To request, demand or claim for oneself.
4. (alt-of, alternative, obsolete)Alternative form of postulated, past participle of postulate.

   “Quoth he, What Nature can afford, I shall produce upon my word ; And if she ever gave that boon To man, I'll prove that I have one ; I mean, by postulate Illation, When you shall offer just occasion ;[…]”