axiom

[ ak-see-uhm ]

noun

1. a self-evident truth that requires no proof.
2. a universally accepted principle or rule.
3. Logic, Mathematics. a proposition that is assumed without proof for the sake of studying the consequences that follow from it.

axiom

/ ˈæksɪəm /

noun

1. a generally accepted proposition or principle, sanctioned by experience; maxim
2. a universally established principle or law that is not a necessary truth

   the axioms of politics

3. a self-evident statement
4. 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

axiom

/ ăk′sē-əm /

1. 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.
2. Also called postulate

axiom

1. In mathematics , a statement that is unproved but accepted as a basis for other statements, usually because it seems so obvious.

Notes

The term axiomatic is used generally to refer to a statement so obvious that it needs no proof.

Word History and Origins

Origin of axiom¹

First recorded in 1475–85; from Latin axiōma, from Greek: “something worthy,” equivalent to axiō-, variant stem of axioûn “to reckon worthy” + -ma, noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of axiom¹

C15: from Latin axiōma a principle, from Greek, from axioun to consider worthy, from axios worthy

Example Sentences

But lately I’ve been worried that the glut of documentary content required to fill the yawning maw of streamers is putting this axiom to the test more frequently.

From New York Times

When it inevitably rains or the weather turns colder, it helps to keep in mind an old axiom: There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.

From Seattle Times

There, the Wildean axiom “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars” is viscerally felt — and it’s a sentiment that pulses through the cultural blood of the city.

From New York Times

Now, Northwestern University researchers have used statistical physics to confirm the theory that underlies this famous axiom.

From Science Daily

It’s an axiom of criminal law that jurors should assess guilt or innocence based on the defendant’s conduct in the case before them.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adage
• aphorism
• dictum
• maxim
• precept
• proverb
• theorem