axiomatic

adjective

ax·​i·​om·​at·​ic ˌak-sē-ə-ˈma-tik 

1

: taken for granted : self-evident

an axiomatic truth

2

: based on or involving an axiom or system of axioms

axiomatic set theory

axiomatically

ˌak-sē-ə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

An axiom is a principle widely accepted for its intrinsic merit, or one regarded as self-evidently true. A statement that is axiomatic, therefore, is one against which few people would argue. Axiomatic entered English from the New Latin word axiōmaticus, and like axiom, it comes ultimately from the Greek word axíōma, meaning (among other things) “that which is reasonable (though not demonstrated to be true).” The word axiom can also refer to a statement accepted as true specifically as the basis for an argument or inference. An example would be: “Nothing can both be and not be at the same time and in the same respect.” Such axioms are often employed in philosophy, as well as in mathematics and geometry, where they are sometimes called postulates.

Synonyms

• prima facie
• self-evident

Examples of axiomatic in a Sentence

It is axiomatic that good athletes have a strong mental attitude.

it's axiomatic that the instinct for self-preservation is universal throughout the animal kingdom

Recent Examples on the Web

The security services—the army, police, and the mukhabarat or intelligence services—are staffed primarily by Jordanians of tribal origin, whose loyalty to the king and the monarchy has long been axiomatic. —David Schenker, Foreign Affairs, 23 June 2017

That would run counter to an axiomatic goal of U.S. grand strategy, which has remained constant for decades: to prevent the domination of either end of the Eurasian landmass by one or more potentially hostile powers. —Aaron L. Friedberg, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2012

There are two axiomatic ingredients for building world-changing companies: Capital and talent. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Europe, 27 June 2024

Continue to adamantly explore viable mathematical and computational means of either preventing AI hallucinations or at least improving the odds of detecting them in some automatic or axiomatic ways. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin axiōmaticus, from Latin axiōmat-, axiōma "fundamental proposition, axiom" + -icus -ic entry 1

Note: Compare Hellenistic Greek axiōmatikós "of a dignified kind, stately, noble," from axíōma "honored status, prestige."

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

axiomatic

adjective

ax·​i·​om·​at·​ic ˈak-sē-ə-ˈmat-ik 

1

: of or relating to an axiom

2

: resembling an axiom

axiomatically

-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb