premise

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   set forth beforehand, often as an explanation

   They premised these remarks so that their readers might understand.

2. 2
   noun

   A proposition antecedently supposed or proved; something previously stated or assumed as the basis of further argument; a condition; a supposition.

   The premises observed, Thy will by my performance shall be served.

3. 3
   noun

   Any of the first propositions of a syllogism, from which the conclusion is deduced.

   While the premises stand firm, 'tis impossible to shake the conclusion.

4. 4
   noun

   A piece of real estate; a building and its adjuncts.

   trespass on another’s premises

5. 5
   noun

   The fundamental concept that drives the plot of a film or other story.

   In 1949, the simple premise of discovering ordinary people who have hidden, extraordinary talents came to prominence in the UK with Opportunity Knocks, which started out as a nationwide touring radio show, before moving onto TV in 1956.

6. 6
   verb

   To set forth beforehand, or as introductory to the main subject; to offer previously, as something to explain or aid in understanding what follows.

   I premise these particulars that the reader may know that I enter upon it as a very ungrateful task.

7. 7
   verb

   To send before the time, or beforehand; hence, to cause to be before something else; to employ previously.

   the premised flames of the last day

8. 8
   noun

   a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn

Etymology

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.