Postula

Postula is a term that appears as a verb form in Latin and in some Romance languages, and as the stem of related English terms such as postulate.

In Latin, postula is the second-person singular present active imperative of the verb postulare, meaning “demand,” “ask for,” or “require.” It is used as a direct command or exhortation in classical and medieval texts. The same root also yields other forms in Latin such as postulant (they demand) and postulare (to demand).

In Romance languages, postula can appear as a present-tense form of verbs derived from postulare. In Spanish, postula is the third-person singular present indicative of postular, meaning “he/she applies,” “nominally runs for,” or in political contexts “nominate.” For example, “El candidato postula a la presidencia.” In Portuguese, a related form can have a similar sense, reflecting the shared Latin origin. The exact usage and frequency vary by language and dialect.

Etymology and related terms: Postula derives from Latin postulāre, meaning to demand or ask for. The English word postulate (and its noun form postulation) comes from the same root, through French and Latin, and denotes a proposition assumed without proof or a fundamental premise.

Summary: Postula is primarily encountered as a verb form in Latin and in Romance languages, where it conveys commands or actions related to applying or nominating. In English, it is mainly of interest as a linguistic root connected to postulate and related terms, rather than as a standalone common word. See also postulate, postulation, postulant, postulare.