( BrE also less frequent prem·iss ) / ˈpremɪs; NAmE / noun
( formal ) a statement or an idea that forms the basis for a reasonable line of argument :
the basic premise of her argument
a false premise
His reasoning is based on the premise that all people are equally capable of good and evil.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French premisse , from medieval Latin praemissa (propositio) (proposition) set in front, from Latin praemittere , from prae before + mittere send.