premise
n. · v.-
1 a logical assumption (n.) C1 Advanced Academic Formalan idea or statement that you accept as true and use as the base for an argument or theory.
a proposition upon which an argument is based or from which a conclusion is drawn. Often used in formal logic and academic writing.
ExampleThe whole theory is based on the premise that people always act in their own interest.
ExampleThe researcher's argument proceeds from the premise that economic stability is a prerequisite for democratic reform in developing nations.
UsageOften used with the prepositions 'on' or 'upon'.
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2 a story's basic idea (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe main idea or situation that starts the plot of a book or movie.
the fundamental concept or situational setup that drives the narrative of a fictional work.
ExampleThe movie has an interesting premise, but the ending was very disappointing.
ExampleCritics praised the novel's original premise, which imagines a world where the industrial revolution never occurred.
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3 a building and its land (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Lawa building and the land that belongs to it.
a piece of real estate including the land and the buildings on it. Almost exclusively used in the plural form 'premises'.
ExampleSmoking is strictly forbidden on the school premises.
ExampleSecurity personnel are authorised to remove any individual found trespassing on the factory premises after business hours.
UsageUsually plural in this sense.
PitfallThe company moved to a new premise.The company moved to new premises.When referring to a building or location, the word is almost always plural: 'premises'.
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4 to base an argument on (v.) C2 Proficiency Formal Academicto base an argument or theory on a particular idea.
to set forth a proposition as an antecedent or to base a subsequent argument upon a specific assumption.
ExampleThe new law is premised on the idea that everyone deserves a fair trial.
ExampleThe entire reform package was premised upon the assumption that tax revenues would continue to grow at five percent annually.
UsageFrequently used in the passive voice followed by 'on' or 'upon'.
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.