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

A “rent due” tweet has become an axiom explaining the constant lewd shock-and-outrage bait that floods most of the timeline.

From Slate

The Cleveland High boys’ water polo team proved that axiom true once again, limiting defending champion Palisades to one goal in the final three quarters of a 15-4 victory in the City Section Open Division final Wednesday night at Valley College.

From Los Angeles Times

Jurado cited the oft-repeated axiom of the Left: They tried to bury us but didn’t know we were seeds.

From Los Angeles Times

From the conservative side of the fold were the likes of Kristin Davison of Axiom Strategies.

From Salon

If Ben Franklin were alive today, he might add a third certainty to his now-familiar axiom: death, taxes, and the late-summer creep of Spirit Halloween filling in vacant retail storefronts across the country.

From Slate

Related Words

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