a statement that is assumed to be true for the purpose of an argument from which a conclusion is drawn
verb (prɪˈmaɪz, ˈprɛmɪs)
2. (when tr, may take a clause as object)
to state or assume (a proposition) as a premise in an argument, theory, etc
Word origin
C14: from Old French prémisse, from Medieval Latin praemissa sent on before, from Latin praemittere to dispatch in advance, from prae before + mittere to send
Examples of 'premiss' in a sentence
premiss
This key premiss about justifiable inequalities is nowhere defended but only presupposed.
The Times Literary Supplement (2016)
Many have come to agree with his central premiss.
The Times Literary Supplement (2017)
The premiss of the game, and thus of the book, is about regaining control.
The Times Literary Supplement (2010)
The bizarre thing is the entire article is based on a false premiss.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
But one must question the premiss of this shift in taste.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
The premiss is as banal as it sounds.
The Times Literary Supplement (2016)
The premiss is the construction of a literary biography.
The Times Literary Supplement (2014)
If you're not going to follow through on the premiss, choose another.
The Times Literary Supplement (2014)
Whichever the translation at hand, we all know the basic premiss.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
His first premiss, however, involves a category mistake.