premise
B2Formal/Academic
Definition
Meaning
A statement or proposition that forms the basis for an argument or theory.
A building or property from which a business operates, often used in plural form 'premises'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Has two primary meanings: logical (basis for argument) and physical (property). The physical sense is often pluralized as 'premises'. Can also function as a verb meaning to base something on a premise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'premises' is more commonly used for physical property in legal or business contexts. In American English, 'location' or 'property' might be preferred for physical sense, but usage is similar. The logical sense is identical.
Connotations
In logical contexts, no significant difference. In physical sense, BrE emphasizes the building itself, while AmE may use it interchangeably with other terms.
Frequency
The physical sense is more frequent in BrE, especially in formal documents. The logical sense is equally common in both varieties in academic writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
premise something on somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the premise that”
- “start from the premise”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the physical location where a company operates, e.g., in leases or regulations.
Academic
Used in logical arguments, theories, or research to denote foundational statements.
Everyday
Less common but used in discussions about arguments or ideas, e.g., in debates or casual reasoning.
Technical
In logic, a premise is a statement in an argument that provides support for the conclusion; in law, it refers to property.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The contract was premised on mutual trust between the parties.
American English
- Her argument premises the notion that technology enhances productivity.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The movie has a simple premise about friendship.
- Your idea is good, but the premise needs more evidence.
- The company's new premises are located in the city centre.
- Critics challenged the premise upon which the economic model was constructed.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'premise' as 'pre-miss' – something you consider before missing the conclusion in an argument.
Conceptual Metaphor
A foundation or base upon which ideas or structures are built.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Russian 'посылка' (posylka) can mean logical premise but also parcel, leading to confusion. For physical premises, 'помещение' (pomeshcheniye) is used, so context is key.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'premise' as a verb without the correct pattern, e.g., 'He premised the argument' instead of 'He premised the argument on facts.'
- Confusing 'premise' (singular) with 'premises' (plural for property).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common meaning of 'premises' in British English business contexts?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Premise' typically refers to a logical basis for an argument, while 'premises' often refers to a building or property, especially in legal or business contexts.
Yes, 'premise' can be a verb meaning to base something on a premise, as in 'The study is premised on previous research.'
It is more common in formal, academic, or professional settings, but can appear in everyday discussions about arguments or ideas.
As a verb, it is pronounced /prɪˈmaɪz/ in both British and American English, whereas the noun is /ˈprɛm.ɪs/.
Collections
Part of a collection
Critical Thinking
C1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for structured logical reasoning and analysis.
Rhetoric and Argumentation
C2 · 49 words · Advanced tools of persuasion and argumentation.
Explore