/lit/ - Literature

>>8175

Why the fuck would you write that? "Postulate" is a bigger word than either "ostensible" or "statement", and "ostensible statements" sounds pretty damn motherfucking retarded.

>>8177

No, I used "ostensible statements" as an appositive to postulate.

Second, ostensible is four syllables and ten letters, and postulate is three syllables and nine letters.

Third, how and why does ostensible statements sound retard The construction exists, but when one reflects on it, it seems incompatible/illogical? Explain. This simpleton response is unsatisfactory.

It sounds like it would be used as a means of starting a counter argument by undercutting a postulate with contempt, or alternatively to redundantly emphasize suspension of disbelief in proposing a postulate. It also sounds both highfalutin, as if I were writing a character who was intending to bazooka the conversation with blather so as to say nothing at all.

So it could be used, but is going to have a strong impact on the tone and how the writing is to be perceived. Caution is advised.

If this is formal writing I would choose to avoid it.

>>8180

>starting a counter argument by undercutting a postulate with contempt or alternatively to redundantly emphasize suspension of disbelief in proposing a postulate

…Which is not what I'm not trying to do. I'm essentially trying to define postulate in my own words appositively and as briefly as possible. I originally wrote "statements assumed to be true", but I'm trying to abbreviate it while retaining the meaning.

>to bazooka the conversation with blather so as to say nothing at all

But does it say nothing at all?

>formal writing

Eh, semi-formal. I take potshots in the ~article I'm writing.

>>8175

I don't think so. From my dictionary, postulate means: An axiom (truth and not an assumption) from mathematics's point of view.

How about just make a "word-word" (hyphenated) rather than ostensible since it's just informal.

I'll just copy pasta the rest of the meaning of postulate:

pos·tu·late (pŏs′chə-lāt′)

tr.v. pos·tu·lat·ed, pos·tu·lat·ing, pos·tu·lates

1. To assume or assert the truth, reality, or necessity of, especially as a basis of an argument: "We can see individuals, but we can't see providence; we have to postulate it" (Aldous Huxley).

2. To propose as a hypothesis or explanation: Researchers now postulate that the disease is caused by a virus.

3. To assume as a premise or axiom; take for granted.

4. Archaic To make claim for; demand.

n. (pŏs′chə-lĭt, -lāt′)

1. Something assumed without proof as being self-evident or generally accepted, especially when used as a basis for an argument: "the postulate that there is little moral difference between the superpowers" (Henry A. Kissinger).

2. A fundamental element; a basic principle.

3. Mathematics An axiom.

4. Archaic A requirement; a prerequisite.

>>8190

>postulate means: An axiom (truth and not an assumption) from mathematics's point of view.

M8, axiom:

>a statement or proposition that is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/axiom

>a rule or principle that many people accept as true

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/axiom

>1. a self-evident truth that requires no proof.

>2. a universally accepted principle or rule.

>3. Logic, Mathematics. a proposition that is assumed without proof for the sake of studying the consequences that follow from it.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/axiom

>1. A self-evident or universally recognized truth; a maxim: "It is an economic axiom as old as the hills that goods and services can be paid for only with goods and services" (Albert Jay Nock).

>2. An established rule, principle, or law.

>3. A self-evident principle or one that is accepted as true without proof as the basis for argument; a postulate.

The fact that a postulate is something that is accepted as true was why I chose "ostensible", but was unsure if ostensible was the precise word. I've changed it, but I tend to like concluding problems.

>ostensible since it's just informal

Is ostensible an informal word? I don't know myself.

>>8192

idc anymore. If you want to use ostensible that much, just use it.

>Is ostensible an informal word? I don't know myself.

it's not. I'm just referring to your previous post when you said what you're writing for is informal or semi-formal. What I suggested before was to use compound adjective to replace ostensible.

Ostensibly, this be no go, yo.

>>8178

I think I might have gotten you wrong. I thought you wanted to write "ostensible statements" instead of "postulate", but you wanted to use the former to describe the latter. If you wanted to do the former, then you would indeed have been a fucking retard, because only retards go out of their way to replace a single, impressive sounding = big word with two words that don't sound nearly as impressive or pleasing and make you harder to understand.

>>8195

>idc anymore. If you want to use ostensible that much, just use it.

Stop being so sensitive.

At this point, I'm playing devil's advocate with the word.

>>8200

Nope, that's stupid to use "ostensible statements" instead of the single word "postulate". What I wrote was, more or less: "mathematics has postulates—ostensible statements", which I've changed to "…—statements assumed to be true".

>>8197

I agree.