premise

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prem·ise / ˈpreməs/ • n. Logic a previous statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows as a conclusion: if the premise is true, then the conclusion must be true. ∎  an assertion or proposition which forms the basis for a work or theory: the fundamental premise of the report.• v. [tr.] (premise something on/upon) base an argument, theory, or undertaking on: the reforms were premised on our findings. ∎  state or presuppose (something) as a premise: one school of thought premised that the cosmos is indestructible. ∎ archaic state by way of introduction: I will premise generally that I hate lecturing.