# premise

/ˈpɹɛmɪs/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/premise
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a logical assumption

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

an idea or statement that you accept as true and use as the base for an argument or theory.

For teachers: a proposition upon which an argument is based or from which a conclusion is drawn. Often used in formal logic and academic writing.

- The whole theory is based on the premise that people always act in their own interest.
- The researcher's argument proceeds from the premise that economic stability is a prerequisite for democratic reform in developing nations.

Usage: Often used with the prepositions 'on' or 'upon'.

### 2. a story's basic idea

noun · CEFR B2

the main idea or situation that starts the plot of a book or movie.

For teachers: the fundamental concept or situational setup that drives the narrative of a fictional work.

- The movie has an interesting premise, but the ending was very disappointing.
- Critics praised the novel's original premise, which imagines a world where the industrial revolution never occurred.

### 3. a building and its land

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a building and the land that belongs to it.

For teachers: a piece of real estate including the land and the buildings on it. Almost exclusively used in the plural form 'premises'.

- Smoking is strictly forbidden on the school premises.
- Security personnel are authorised to remove any individual found trespassing on the factory premises after business hours.

Usage: Usually plural in this sense.

### 4. to base an argument on

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Academic

to base an argument or theory on a particular idea.

For teachers: to set forth a proposition as an antecedent or to base a subsequent argument upon a specific assumption.

- The new law is premised on the idea that everyone deserves a fair trial.
- The entire reform package was premised upon the assumption that tax revenues would continue to grow at five percent annually.

Usage: Frequently used in the passive voice followed by 'on' or 'upon'.

## Examples

- The whole argument is based on a false premise.
- The movie's premise is that humans have lost the ability to dream, leading to a global crisis of creativity.
- If we accept the premise that all citizens deserve equal access to healthcare, then the current insurance model requires a fundamental structural overhaul to meet that ethical standard.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.