What does "axiom" mean?
A seemingly self-evident or necessary truth which is based on assumption; a principle or proposition which cannot actually be proved or disproved.
Axiom
/ˈak.sɪ.əm/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A seemingly self-evident or necessary truth which is based on assumption; a principle or proposition which cannot actually be proved or disproved.
- Grammar: axiom is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: a belief, a priori principle, a priori truth, absolute fact.
- Useful contrasts: anomaly, conjecture, contradiction.
- Usage evidence: Cole's Axiom: The sum of the intelligence on the planet is a constant; the population is growing.
How to use "axiom"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "axiom" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "axiom" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "axiom" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "axiom" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A seemingly self-evident or necessary truth which is based on assumption; a principle or proposition which cannot actually be proved or disproved.
"Near-synonyms: given, facticity"
- 2 (logic) a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof; its truth is assumed to be self-evident wordnet
- 3 A fundamental assumption that serves as a basis for deduction of theorems; a postulate (sometimes distinguished from postulates as being universally applicable, whereas postulates are particular to a certain science or context).
"Holonym: formal system"
- 4 a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits wordnet
- 5 An established principle in some artistic practice or science that is universally received.
"The axioms of political economy cannot be considered absolute truths."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Cole's Axiom: The sum of the intelligence on the planet is a constant; the population is growing."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "axiom"?
Common synonyms include: a belief, a priori principle, a priori truth, absolute fact, absolutes, accepted fact.
How do you use "axiom" in a sentence?
Cole's Axiom: The sum of the intelligence on the planet is a constant; the population is growing.
How do you pronounce "axiom"?
Pronounced /ˈak.sɪ.əm/.
Etymology
From Middle French axiome in the 15th century, from Latin axiōma (“axiom; principle”), from Ancient Greek ἀξίωμα (axíōma, “that which is thought to fit, a requisite, that which a pupil is required to know beforehand, a self-evident principle”), from ἀξιόω (axióō, “to think fit or worthy, to require, to demand”), from ἄξιος (áxios, “fit, worthy”, literally “weighing as much as; of like value”), from ἄγω (ágō, “to weigh (down)”).