Meaning & use
premise
A statement or idea assumed to be true and used as the basis for an argument or a piece of reasoning.
See it in a sentence
The lawyer's entire case rested on the premise that the contract had never been signed.
The film's premise imagines a world where machines have replaced most human jobs.
A note on using this word
The plural form premises has a different, unrelated meaning: a building along with its land and grounds, as in no smoking on the premises.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. noun
A building together with its land and grounds, especially as occupied by a business or organization.
Visitors must sign in at the front desk before entering the company premises.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “premise”, then compare your use with the examples above.