premise

Everyday

1. A premise is an idea or fact that an argument or plan is based on. tree →
2. The premise of a story or film is its basic idea. tree →
3. Premises (plural) means a building and the land around it, such as a shop or school. tree →

In the lessons

In logic and thinking lessons, a premise leads to a conclusion; in English lessons, a story's premise is its main idea; in everyday safety signs «on the premises» means inside the building. Phrases: on the premises, the premise of the story, a false premise.

Examples

• The premise of the story is a boy who can fly. tree →
• No dogs are allowed on the premises. tree →
• If the premise is wrong, the conclusion may be wrong too. tree →
• The shop moved to new premises. tree →
• «All cats have tails» is a premise in the argument. tree →
• Smoking is not allowed on school premises. tree →

Note

«Premises» meaning a building is always plural (the premises). Also spelt «premiss» in old logic books. Do not confuse with «promise».