premise: meaning, pronunciation and examples

/ˈprɛmɪs/·PREM-iss

Premise (noun) means an idea that is accepted as true and used as the basis for an argument.

What does “premise” mean?

  1. 1

    nounan idea that is accepted as true and used as the basis for an argument

    The theory is based on a false premise.
  2. 2

    noun(plural) the buildings and land that a business uses

    Smoking is not allowed on the premises.

Premise at a glance

Part of speech
noun
CEFR level
C1 (advanced)
Pronunciation
/ˈprɛmɪs/ · PREM-iss

How to use “premise” correctly

With the “building” meaning, always use the plural “premises”: “off the premises”.

Common phrases with “premise”

  • based on the premise that
  • on the premises
  • a false premise

“premise” is on these word lists

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