axiom

noun

ax·​i·​om ˈak-sē-əm How to pronounce axiom (audio)
1
: a statement accepted as true as the basis for argument or inference : postulate sense 1
one of the axioms of the theory of evolution
2
: an established rule or principle or a self-evident truth
cites the axiom "no one gives what he does not have"
3
: a maxim widely accepted on its intrinsic merit
the axioms of wisdom

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In mathematics or logic, an axiom is an unprovable rule or first principle accepted as true because it is self-evident or particularly useful. “Nothing can both be and not be at the same time and in the same respect” is an example of an axiom. The term is often used interchangeably with postulate, though the latter term is sometimes reserved for mathematical applications (such as the postulates of Euclidean geometry). It should be contrasted with a theorem, which requires a rigorous proof.

Examples of axiom in a Sentence

one of the key axioms of the theory of evolution
Recent Examples on the Web This axiom still applies: the closer to the quarterback, the more important the coaching position. Mike Freeman, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2024 These axioms formed the basis for De Revolutionibus, which wasn’t published until near the end of his life. Rob Reid, Ars Technica, 9 Mar. 2023 Ackerman summoned Karl Marx’s pithy axiom about history playing out first as tragedy and then as farce. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2024 Until recent years, this left the field with little defining theory to explain how microbiomes assemble and no sturdy axioms for interpreting experimental results. Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 17 Jan. 2024 Well, actually Both sides of the dispute have accepted the axiom that the transition to manufacturing electric vehicles means fewer workers are needed. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 9 Oct. 2023 By now, this logic has acquired the status of an axiom. Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 1 Dec. 2023 Eighty-five years after Connolly’s axiom, and more than 60 years after Butler’s lecture, women artists are still grappling with an essentialist argument. Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023 But the history of this rather obvious-seeming axiom about inertia is complicated. Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 5 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'axiom.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French axiome, borrowed from Latin axiōma "fundamental proposition," borrowed from Greek axíōma "honor, honored status, prestige, that which is reasonable (though not demonstrated to be true), self-evident principle," from axiō-, variant stem of axióō, axioûn "to consider worthy, value, consider appropriate, claim, think" (verbal derivative of áxios "valued [at a sum of money], worth, equal, of an equivalent status, worthy, suitable," of uncertain origin) + -ma, resultative noun suffix

Note: The Greek adjective áxios has conventionally been taken as originally meaning "of equal weight, counterbalancing"—hence it is seen as a derivative of an unattested noun *axis "weight" (< *ag-ti-), a derivative of ágein "to lead, carry off," also, among many other senses, "to weigh (a certain amount)," though the latter meaning is no earlier than fifth-century Attic.

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of axiom was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near axiom

Cite this Entry

“Axiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axiom. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

axiom

noun
ax·​i·​om ˈak-sē-əm How to pronounce axiom (audio)
: a rule or principle widely accepted as obviously true and not needing to be proved
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