noun

premise

/ˈprɛmɪs/ · say it: PREM·iss

a statement taken as the basis for argument

In Formal & Academic

a proposition on which an argument is based

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (noun) a statement or idea that you believe is true and that you use to develop other ideas

2. (noun) the piece of land or building where a business operates

Examples

1. The argument is based on the premise that all people are equal.
2. The company is moving to new premises next month.

How to use premise

As a logical or philosophical term, premise refers to a foundational claim from which conclusions are drawn; it often appears in the phrase 'on the premise that' to introduce an assumption. In practical contexts, premises (almost always plural) refers to a physical building or land occupied by a business or organization. The two senses are distinct in meaning and frequency.

Common phrases

on the premise that
false premise
basic premise
business premises
the premises of an argument

Synonyms

assumption · basis · foundation · presupposition · proposition

Word family

premises (plural/noun) · premised (verb) · premiss (variant noun)

A common mistake

Learners often confuse the singular 'premise' (logical claim) with the plural 'premises' (buildings/property), or misspell the word as 'premice' or 'permise'. Additionally, 'premise' should not be used as a verb in standard formal English, though 'premised' or 'based' are acceptable alternatives.

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