As a noun, a premise is an idea or statement that forms the basis of an argument, theory, or story. As a verb (less common), to premise something is to base it on certain assumptions.
“Premise” comes from Latin *praemissa*, “things sent before,” from *prae-* (“before”) + *mittere* (“to send”). In logic and law, it was used for statements “sent before” a conclusion or contract.
Every argument and story secretly rests on premises—things quietly assumed to be true. Change the premise, and the whole structure of beliefs or plot can tilt in a completely different direction.
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