predicate
To base or establish something on a particular foundation or premise
Examples
In a meeting
“Our entire strategy is predicated on the assumption that market demand will remain stable.”
Over coffee
“Her decision to move was predicated on getting that job offer.”
Why this word
base
predicate means to establish as a foundation or assert as a property, while base is less formal and specific
assert
predicate specifically means to affirm as an attribute or base something upon, while assert is general declaration
depend
predicate emphasizes founding or basing logically upon something, while depend suggests reliance without the logical foundation sense
Usage tip
Use to show foundational dependence; what follows depends critically on what it's predicated upon
Etymology
Latin: praedicare (to proclaim, assert), from prae (before) + dicare (to make known)
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Related words
synthesis
The combining of separate elements to form a coherent whole
syllogism
A logical argument with two premises leading to a conclusion
empiricism
The belief that knowledge comes from observation and experience
paradox
A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true
premise
An underlying assumption on which reasoning is based
dogma
A principle or belief accepted without question