posit / postulate - difference between them

[jackthomas]

I've found their definition as:

posit /ˈpɒzɪt/
▶verb (posits, positing, posited)

• 1 put forward as fact or as a basis for argument. ■ (posit something on) base something on the truth of (a particular assumption)
  

postulate
▶verb /ˈpɒstjʊleɪt/ 

• 1 suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief.

Both are the first meaning of the two words. Can you tell me the difference between these two words with their such meanings?
Regards

 

[Beryl from Northallerton]

For me, as verbs, they are almost identical in meaning.

 

[wandle]

Both express the idea of putting something forward as a basis, but there is in practice a difference.
'Posit' is more general, 'postulate' is more formal.

'Posit' often suggests putting something forward in relation to a particular issue, in a way that may be temporary, without implying one is committed to it.

'Postulate' regularly means 'lay down as a basis for a theory or a method of procedure' and is thus more formal and permanent.