What does "premise" mean?
A proposition antecedently supposed or proved; something previously stated or assumed as the basis of further argument; a condition; a supposition.
Premise
/ˈpɹɛm.ɪs/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A proposition antecedently supposed or proved; something previously stated or assumed as the basis of further argument; a condition; a supposition.
- Grammar: premise is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: assumption, a priori principle, affirmation, aken.
- Useful contrasts: careful analysis, concluding, conclusion.
- Usage evidence: You ought to think over whether the premise is valid or not.
How to use "premise"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "premise" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "premise" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "premise" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "premise" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "premise" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "assumption" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "premise", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A proposition antecedently supposed or proved; something previously stated or assumed as the basis of further argument; a condition; a supposition.
"The premises observed, Thy will by my performance shall be served."
- 2 a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn wordnet
- 3 Any of the first propositions of a syllogism, from which the conclusion is deduced.
"While the premises stand firm, 'tis impossible to shake the conclusion."
- 4 Matters previously stated or set forth; especially, that part in the beginning of a deed, the office of which is to express the grantor and grantee, and the land or thing granted or conveyed, and all that precedes the habendum; the thing demised or granted. plural-normally
- 5 A piece of real estate; a building and its adjuncts. plural-normally
"trespass on another’s premises"
Show 1 more definition
- 6 The fundamental concept that drives the plot of a film or other story.
"In 1949, the simple premise of discovering ordinary people who have hidden, extraordinary talents came to prominence in the UK with Opportunity Knocks, which started out as a nationwide touring radio show, before moving onto TV in 1956."
Verb
- 1 To state or assume something as a proposition to an argument.
- 2 take something as preexisting and given wordnet
- 3 To make a premise.
- 4 furnish with a preface or introduction wordnet
- 5 To set forth beforehand, or as introductory to the main subject; to offer previously, as something to explain or aid in understanding what follows.
"I premise these particulars that the reader may know that I enter upon it as a very ungrateful task."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 set forth beforehand, often as an explanation wordnet
- 7 To send before the time, or beforehand; hence, to cause to be before something else; to employ previously.
"the premised flames of the last day"
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"You ought to think over whether the premise is valid or not."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "premise"?
Common synonyms include: assumption, a priori principle, affirmation, aken, ancestor, antecedent.
How do you use "premise" in a sentence?
You ought to think over whether the premise is valid or not.
How do you pronounce "premise"?
Pronounced /ˈpɹɛm.ɪs/.
Etymology
From Middle English premise, premisse, from Old French premisse, from Medieval Latin premissa (“set before”) (premissa propositio (“the proposition set before”)), feminine past participle of Latin praemittere (“to send or put before”), from prae- (“before”) + mittere (“to send”). Sense 4, a piece of real estate arose from the misinterpretation of the word by property owners while reading title deeds where the word was used with the legal sense.