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premise

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Definition of premise

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈprɛmɪs/

(British also premiss) Logic a previous statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows as a conclusion:if the premise is true, then the conclusion must be true
an assertion or proposition which forms the basis for a work or theory:the fundamental premise of the report

verb

Pronunciation: /prɪˈmʌɪz/

[with object] (premise something on/upon)

base an argument, theory, or undertaking on:the reforms were premised on our findings
state or presuppose (something) as a premise: [with clause]:one school of thought premised that the cosmos is indestructible
archaic state by way of introduction: I will premise generally that I hate lecturing

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French premisse, from medieval Latin praemissa (propositio) '(proposition) set in front', from Latin praemittere, from prae 'before' + mittere 'send'

premise in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of premise in the US English dictionary

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