What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
premise
Example
The premise of the argument is that all humans are mortal. [premise: noun]
Example
Let's start with the premise that honesty is the best policy. [premise: noun]
Example
The new restaurant has a great premise - it's a fusion of Italian and Japanese cuisine. [premise: noun]
postulate
Example
The postulate states that two parallel lines never intersect. [postulate: noun]
Example
The researcher postulated that increased exposure to sunlight would lead to improved mood. [postulated: verb]
Example
The job posting had several postulates, including a minimum of five years of experience. [postulates: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Premise is more commonly used than postulate in everyday language, while postulate is more commonly used in academic or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between premise and postulate?
Postulate is generally considered more formal than premise, and may have a more assertive or demanding tone.