axiom
a self-evident truth that requires no proof.
a universally accepted principle or rule.
Logic, Mathematics. a proposition that is assumed without proof for the sake of studying the consequences that follow from it.
Origin of axiom
1Words that may be confused with axiom
- 1. adage, aphorism, apothegm, axiom , maxim, proverb
- 2. assumption, axiom , premise, presumption
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use axiom in a sentence
Instead of challenging the basic axioms of the welfare state, he simply promised to prevent Democrats from taking them to excess.
Peter Beinart: Romney’s Crafty Moderate Debate Strategy | Peter Beinart | October 4, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTPekar parallels this, notably in axioms like, “Nationalism and ethnic pride… delay human development.”
Heavens, with what pained looks, with what platitudes and proverbs, with what reproofs and axioms and sentiments!
The Daughters of Danaus | Mona CairdThe axiom, "Equals subtracted from equals leave equal differences," may be demonstrated from the two axioms in the text.
A System of Logic: Ratiocinative and Inductive | John Stuart MillWhatever may be the precise date of these axioms the ideas they express well repay careful consideration.
Archaic England | Harold Bayley
The bases of its teaching are simply "axioms" which are incapable of proof.
Freedom in Science and Teaching. | Ernst HaeckelThey imply certain propositions which might be regarded as axioms.
The English Utilitarians, Volume II (of 3) | Leslie Stephen
British Dictionary definitions for axiom
/ (ˈæksɪəm) /
a generally accepted proposition or principle, sanctioned by experience; maxim
a universally established principle or law that is not a necessary truth: the axioms of politics
a self-evident statement
logic maths a statement or formula that is stipulated to be true for the purpose of a chain of reasoning: the foundation of a formal deductive system: Compare assumption (def. 4)
Origin of axiom
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for axiom
[ ăk′sē-əm ]
A principle that is accepted as true without proof. The statement For every two points P and Q there is a unique line that contains both P and Q is an axiom because no other information is given about points or lines, and therefore it cannot be proven. Also called postulate
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for axiom
[ (ak-see-uhm) ]
In mathematics, a statement that is unproved but accepted as a basis for other statements, usually because it seems so obvious.
Notes for axiom
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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