axiom.

1. A statement accepted as a starting point within a system of reasoning.

2. A principle widely treated as obvious or established.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• basic axiom
• axioms of a system
• accept as an axiom

On the page

The proof relies on an axiom not shared by the alternative system.

Efficiency became an axiom of the reform rather than an objective open to debate.

Changing one axiom can alter the conclusions available within the model.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic. In mathematics, an axiom is assumed within a system rather than proved there. The general sense can conceal contestable assumptions; do not equate acceptance with universal truth. Singular: axiom; plural: axioms. Derived family (not inflections): axiomatic.