English Dictionary
Definition of “premise”
premise
Definitions
noun
- Also premisslogic a statement that is assumed to be true for the purpose of an argument from which a conclusion is drawn
verb
- (when tr, may take a clause as object) to state or assume (a proposition) as a premise in an argument, theory, etc
Word Origin
C14: from Old French prémisse, from Medieval Latin praemissa sent on before, from Latin praemittere to dispatch in advance, from prae before + mittere to send
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
assumption,
proposition,
thesis,
ground,
argument,
hypothesis,
assertion,
postulate,
supposition,
presupposition,
postulation,
Usage examples
The premise was that by doing the dishes, Portillo could understand the true nature of being a single mum in situ.
Spiked (2003)The premise of the naughty kid tormenting his cantankerous neighbour provides endless fodder for slapstick family comedy.
Globe and Mail (2003)The regime is based on the premise that prisoners must earn their privileges by good behaviour.
Independent (1998)The technology was sophisticated but the scientific premise very simple.
Christy Campbell, PHYLLOXERA: How Wine was Saved for the World (2004)
