premise
PREM-iss
/ˈprɛmɪs/
A previous statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows as a conclusion.
Represents the starting assumption in a argument; if the premise is false, the entire argument collapses regardless of logical validity.
The story behind the word. In medieval logic, 'praemissa' was short for 'praemissa propositio'—a statement 'sent before' the rest of the text to establish the foundation. It was the starting point placed on the table before the conclusion could be drawn.
Word relationships
- assumption: Often unstated or taken for granted, whereas a premise is explicitly stated in an argument.
- postulate: A fundamental rule assumed to be true as a basis for reasoning, common in mathematics.
- conclusion: The final judgment or statement reached through reasoning from premises.
Commonly confused with
- premises: Premise (singular) is an underlying assumption; premises (plural) often refers to property/buildings.
Word family
- premise (verb): To base an argument or theory on a foundational statement.
Collocations
- false premise
- underlying premise
- accept the premise
- faulty premise
Example sentences
- "If you accept the basic premise that all humans deserve equal rights, the policy conclusion follows naturally." Logic & Argumentation
- "The novel's intriguing central premise explores a world where memories can be bought and sold." Literary Criticism
Memory hook
PREMISE is sent PREVIOUSLY (before) you reach your conclusion. The foundation sent before the conclusion.
When not to use
Do not confuse the noun 'premise' (assumption) with 'premises' (a building and its land).
Fun facts
- Legal land deeds used to list property details early in the text ('the premises sent before'), which led to 'premises' meaning real estate!
Related words
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