Agency Dictionary

Axiom

nounPronunciation: /ˈæk.si.əm/

In Portuguese: Axioma

Philosophy & Ethics

What does “Axiom” mean?

A proposition or statement accepted as true without proof, serving as a premise for further reasoning. In logic, it forms the foundation of deductive systems.

Etymology

From Middle French axiome, from Latin axioma, from Greek axioma, "that which is thought worthy or fitting", and hence a principle taken as self-evident, from axioun ("to think worthy"), from axios ("worthy"). The word came into English in the late 15th century. In Greek mathematics and philosophy it named the propositions that need no proof and from which demonstration starts. Modern logic uses it for any statement taken as a starting point of a formal system.

Usage note

Outside logic and mathematics the word is used loosely for any principle that a group treats as beyond question.

Synonyms

postulate
premise
principle
maxim
truism
dictum

Often confused with

postulate: In the classical distinction an axiom is a truth common to all sciences, while a postulate is an assumption proper to one field; modern usage often treats them as the same.
theorem: A theorem is a statement proved from axioms; an axiom is accepted without proof.

Word family

axiomatic
axiomatically
axiomatize
axiology

Usage examples

An axiom is a statement or proposition which is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true.

Concept

Value JudgmentA value judgment is an evaluative assessment of the merit, desirability, or ethical quality of something based on personal principles rather than objective factual…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.14 - ZephyrApril 30, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

Antithesisnoun: A person, thing, or concept that represents the direct or exact opposite of another.
Discursiveadjective: Proceeding by reasoned argument or sequential exposition rather than by immediate visual intuition.
Treatisenoun: A formal, systematic, and comprehensive written work dealing methodically with the principles and evidence of a particular philosophical, scientific, or technical subject.
Maximnoun: A concise statement expressing a fundamental principle, general truth, or practical rule of conduct.
rhetoricnoun: The art of effective and persuasive speaking or writing, especially through strategic linguistic devices.
Tangibleadjective: Perceptible by the sense of touch or capable of being physically grasped and measured in concrete physical reality. It distinguishes concrete material products from virtual or intellectual entities.
Holisticadjective: Characterized by the comprehension of parts as intimately interconnected and explicable only in reference to the whole.
Abyssnoun: A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm, either in physical geography or metaphorical psychological depth. It evokes feelings of unfathomable emptiness or existential peril.
aestheticsnoun: A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, artistic taste, and style.
Affectnoun: An expressed or experienced emotion, feeling, or visceral response to a stimulus in psychology and philosophy.
Agapenoun: A selfless, unconditional, and altruistic form of love often associated in theology with divine charity.
Ambiguitynoun: The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness or uncertainty of meaning.

Also from these editions: terms

Amalgamationnoun: The process of combining or uniting multiple distinct elements, genres, or organizations into a single coherent body. In music, it describes fusion between traditions.
Catharticadjective: Providing psychological relief through the open expression and release of strong or repressed emotions.
Deflectornoun: A device or shield designed to redirect the path of an oncoming particle, projectile, or beam of energy. In science fiction, it denotes protective barriers.
Dichotomynoun: A division or contrast between two things that are represented as entirely opposed or mutually exclusive. In cultural discourse, it often oversimplifies multifaceted realities.
Hermeneuticsnoun: The branch of knowledge that deals with interpretation, especially of literary texts and philosophical works. It examines how meaning is mediated through linguistic context.
Hiatusnoun: A pause or gap in a sequence, activity, or series of creative works. In the music industry, it denotes an indefinite period where a group halts collaborative production.
Incongruousadjective: Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something. In artistic critique, it denotes striking dissonance between tone and theme.
Messiahnoun: A leader or savior regarded as the liberator or redeemer of an oppressed group. In cultural commentary, it metaphorically denotes an artist upon whom followers project salvation.
Shrapnelnoun: Fragments of a bomb, shell, or other object thrown out by an explosion. In narrative storytelling, it symbolizes the sudden traumatic scatter of destructive forces.
Steadfastadjective: Resolutely firm and unwavering in purpose, loyalty, or moral direction. In aesthetic philosophy, it characterizes an uncompromising dedication to truth.
Zephyrnoun: A light, gentle, and refreshing breeze that carries pleasant warmth or seasonal change. In literary usage, it symbolizes gentle inspiration and restorative movement.