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Premise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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premise

[ˈprɛmɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in logic

A proposition supporting or helping to support a conclusion.

Synonyms

assumption, hypothesis, presupposition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
premise

Use 'premise' when referring to a foundational idea or basic principle upon which an argument or theory is based.

  • The premise of the movie is quite intriguing.
  • Her argument was built on a faulty premise.
assumption

Use 'assumption' when referring to something that is accepted as true without proof. It often precedes further action or reasoning and is not necessarily based on strong evidence.

  • Her plan was based on the assumption that everyone would agree.
  • It's a common assumption that the meeting will start on time.
hypothesis

Use 'hypothesis' in scientific or academic contexts when referring to a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

  • Scientists tested the hypothesis through various experiments.
  • The hypothesis was later confirmed by additional research.
presupposition

Use 'presupposition' when referring to something assumed in advance as a foundation for further reasoning or action. It often has a more formal or technical connotation than 'assumption'.

  • Her argument contains several presuppositions that need to be examined.
  • The theory is built on the presupposition that all participants are honest.

Examples of usage

  • The first two propositions are the premises of the third.
  • The conclusion follows logically from the premises provided.
Context #2 | Noun

in a building

A piece of land or building in which a business or company operates.

Synonyms

location, property, site.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
premise

Used primarily to refer to the grounds and buildings of a particular place, especially in a legal or business context.

  • The restaurant is allowed to serve alcohol on its premises.
  • Smoking is not allowed on the school premises.
property

Often used to describe land or buildings that someone owns, or to refer to physical possessions.

  • The property includes a large house and two acres of land.
  • They own several rental properties in the city.
site

Used mainly to describe a specific area of ground where something is located, especially a building or construction project.

  • This site was chosen for the new shopping mall.
  • Construction on the site is scheduled to start next month.
location

This word is used to talk about a specific place or position where something is situated.

  • The company is moving to a new location downtown.
  • They searched for a suitable location to set up their picnic.

Examples of usage

  • The new office building has a spacious premise.
  • The company's premises are located in the city center.
Context #3 | Noun

in law

Matters previously stated or set forth; esp., the first part of a pleading.

Synonyms

assertion, declaration, statement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
premise

Use this word when introducing a basic idea or assumption that forms the basis for a logical argument or reasoning. It often precedes detailed discussion or analysis.

  • The premise of the movie is intriguing
  • The whole argument is built on a false premise
declaration

A 'declaration' is used for formal or official announcements, often made publicly. It may also imply a strong, unequivocal statement.

  • The company made a declaration of its new policies
  • The Declaration of Independence is an important historical document
assertion

This term is suitable when referring to a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief. It implies a degree of insistence or conviction.

  • His assertion that he was innocent was not believed by the jury
  • The scientist's assertion was later proven to be accurate
statement

This is a general term that can apply to any expression of an idea, fact, or opinion. It is neutral and can range from formal to informal settings.

  • She made a statement to the police
  • His statement was clear and concise

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer reviewed the premises of the case before the trial.
  • The premises of the contract were clearly defined.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In logic, a premise is a statement used as the basis for a conclusion, where reasoning hinges on establishing truth.
  • Philosophers often debate the validity of premises to ensure sound reasoning in arguments and theories.

Literature

  • Writers often base their stories on a central premise, which can influence character development and plot direction.
  • In screenwriting, the premise is crucial as it defines the core conflict that drives the narrative.

Science

  • In scientific research, foundational premises underpin hypotheses, guiding experimental design and interpretation of results.
  • The validity of an experiment often relies on the accuracy of its premises, especially in fields like psychology and social sciences.

Education

  • In teaching, clearly stating the premise of a lesson helps students understand the main concept they will learn.
  • Effective debates in classrooms often start with clearly defined premises that students must defend or refute.

Origin of 'premise'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'praemissa,' meaning 'that which is sent before,' reflecting its role as a foundation for arguments.
  • In its early use in English, the term often referred to a legal understanding or condition laid down before an agreement.

The word 'premise' originated from the Latin word 'praemissa' meaning 'things mentioned before'. In logic, a premise is a statement that serves as evidence for a conclusion. Over time, the term expanded to include the physical location of a business or company. In law, premises refer to matters previously stated or set forth in a legal context.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,058 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.