noun / verb
premise
PREM-is/ˈpremɪs/
An idea or assumption that provides the basis for something.
A premise supports an argument as the base stone supports the stones above.
Etymology
“Before” and “send” combine in the image of a proposition “set before” another. A premise is the starting statement placed before the conclusion that follows from it.
In context
It says it's a logic argument that uses two premises and I'll add or more to arrive at a conclusion. Each premise shares a common term and the conclusion logically follows from their relationship
More examples
- Her argument rests on the premise that everyone deserves equal treatment.
- We question the premise that longer hours always improve results.
- The budget is premised on a steady increase in sales.
Forms
premise · premises · premised · premising
Similar words
- assumption
- Emphasizes accepting something as true, often without proof.
- hypothesis
- Usually proposes an explanation to test rather than a starting basis.