premise

1 of 2

noun

prem·​ise ˈpre-məs How to pronounce premise (audio)
variants or less commonly premiss
Synonyms of premisenext
1
a
: a proposition antecedently supposed or proved as a basis of argument or inference
specifically : either of the first two propositions of a syllogism from which the conclusion is drawn
b
: something assumed or taken for granted : presupposition
2
premises also premisses plural : matters previously stated
specifically : the preliminary and explanatory part of a deed or of a bill in equity
3
premises also premisses plural [from its being identified in the premises of the deed]
a
: a tract of land with the buildings thereon
b
: a building or part of a building usually with its appurtenances (such as grounds)

premise

2 of 2

verb

pre·​mise ˈpre-məs How to pronounce premise (audio)
 also  pri-ˈmīz
premised; premising

transitive verb

1
a
: to set forth beforehand as an introduction or a postulate
b
: to offer as a premise in an argument
2
: postulate
3
: to base on certain assumptions

Synonyms

Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of premise in a Sentence

Noun Called behavioral ecology, it starts from the premise that social and environmental forces select for various behaviors that optimize people's fitness in a given environment. Different environment, different behaviors—and different human "natures." — Sharon Begley, Newsweek, 29 June 2009
Although the Voting Rights Act served, in some measure, to formalize the notion of racial representation, its consequences undermined its premise—that a transparency of interests existed between the representative and the represented. — Henry Louis Gates, Jr., New Yorker, 24 Oct. 1994
Thirty years ago the modesty of the general expectation was still consistent with the original American premise of self-government. — Lewis H. Lapham, Harper's, November 1992
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
So much story on Reba was mined from that initial premise that there was this other woman (Barbra Jean) who ultimately forced her way into Reba’s life. — Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 21 Mar. 2025 Whatever issues this season had, stepping back from the ledge on which the entire premise seemed to be finding itself at the conclusion of last season isn’t the root cause. — Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
Certainly, an Oscars ceremony truly premised on the greatness of independent cinema—in its trappings, which are planned, as opposed to its winners, which are not—would have scheduled a longer, more substantial tribute to the late David Lynch, who received a few beats of montage time but no more. — Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 This requirement is premised on the idea that agencies left to their own devices will not elevate expertise in their decision making. — James Broughel, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for premise

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

in sense 1, from Middle English premisse, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin praemissa, from Latin, feminine of praemissus, past participle of praemittere to place ahead, from prae- pre- + mittere to send; in other senses, from Middle English premisses, from Medieval Latin praemissa, from Latin, neuter plural of praemissus

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of premise was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing premise

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premise
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Cite this Entry

“Premise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premise. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

premise

1 of 2 noun
prem·​ise ˈprem-əs How to pronounce premise (audio)
1
: a statement taken to be true and used as a basis for argument or reasoning
2
plural
a
: a piece of land with the buildings on it
b
: a building or part of a building usually with its grounds

premise

2 of 2 verb
pre·​mise ˈprem-əs How to pronounce premise (audio)
pri-ˈmīz
premised; premising
: to base on certain assumptions
a conclusion premised on stereotypes

More from Merriam-Webster on premise

Nglish: Translation of premise for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about premise

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