Postulate (verb)

To suggest or assume the truth of something as a basis for reasoning or argument.

Origin:

From latin 'postulare' meaning 'to demand, request, or claim.'.

Examples:

1. The scientist postulated that the new virus was transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces.
2. The philosopher postulated that the universe had always existed and would never come to an end.
3. The economist postulated that an increase in the minimum wage would lead to higher unemployment rates.
4. The mathematician postulated a series of axioms as the basis for his theorem.
5. The psychologist postulated that the patient's behavior was a result of childhood trauma.