Did you know?

An axiom is a principle widely accepted on the basis of 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 Middle Greek axiōmatikos, and axiom derived, via Latin, from Greek axiōma ("something worthy") and axios ("worthy"). The word axiom can also refer to a statement accepted as true as the basis for argument or inference. Such axioms are often employed in discussions of philosophy, as well as in mathematics and geometry, where they are sometimes called postulates.

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 Whether a digital native is an axiomatic and bona fide digital wizard is also an open question. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 12 June 2022 With self-driving cars, there won’t be any need for a human driver and therefore no longer an axiomatic need for an adult in the autonomous vehicle. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 The car proceeds forward by the axiomatic act of being in Drive. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2021 Euclid’s geometry, the epitome of logical reasoning, is based on no fewer than 33 axiomatic, unprovable articles of faith. — Michael Guillen, WSJ, 23 Sep. 2021 That there would be no English literary tradition without Greek and Latin is almost axiomatic. — Ange Mlinko, The New York Review of Books, 23 July 2020 Self-preservation would seem to be the axiomatic approach for any nearby observing animals. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2021 The field is based on the axiomatic system formulated more than 100 years ago by German logician Ernst Zermelo and elaborated by his German-Israeli colleague Abraham Fraenkel. — Martin Goldstern, Scientific American, 16 Aug. 2021 That Menorcans take lobster—a classic plutocratic ingredient—and turn it into a relatively homely but delicious stew seems axiomatic of the island. — James Collard, Robb Report, 25 July 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'axiomatic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for axiomatic

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."

Learn More About axiomatic