axiom

8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for axiom, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A statement accepted as true without proof, used as a starting point from which other results are derived.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

given

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

premise maxim

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

postulate first principle adage truism precept

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A statement accepted as true without proof, used as a starting point from which other results are derived.

“Euclid built his geometry on five axioms.”

postulate premise first principle given maxim

Opposites

theorem conclusion

2. noun

A saying or principle that is widely regarded as obviously true.

“He lived by the old axiom that you should never lend what you cannot afford to lose.”

maxim adage truism precept

How to use axiom

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

basic axiom axiom of choice self-evident axiom it is an axiom that

Formal. The mathematical sense is technical and precise; the everyday sense is closer to a well-worn saying. The adjective is axiomatic.

Etymology

From Greek axioma 'that which is thought worthy or self-evident', from axios 'worthy'.

Full origin of axiom →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an axiom and a theorem?

An axiom is assumed without proof and forms the foundation of a system. A theorem is a statement proved by reasoning from the axioms. Mathematics works by keeping the axioms few and explicit, then deriving as much as possible from them.

What is the difference between an axiom and a hypothesis?

An axiom is adopted as a fixed starting point and is not tested within the system that uses it. A hypothesis is a provisional claim put forward precisely so it can be tested and possibly rejected.

People also searched

given conclusion premise theorem maxim precept truism postulate adage

Nearby words

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