premise

/ˈprɛmɪs/; /ˈprɛmɪs/; /ˈpremɪz/

Definitions

1. noun

a statement or proposition that is assumed to be true and is used as a basis for argument or reasoning

“The premise of the novel is that aliens have been living among us for decades.”

2. verb

to assume as true or to take for granted

“He premises that the economy will recover within a year.”

3. verb

to establish or set up a premise or base

“The architect premises the foundation of the building.”

Synonyms

  • assumption
  • basis
  • hypothesis
  • proposition
  • supposition

Antonyms

  • contradiction
  • denial
  • refutation
  • rejection