The word "premise" is often misspelled as "premiss" due to confusion about its pronunciation. The correct spelling utilizes the long "i" sound in the second syllable, despite the fact that it is pronounced as a short "i". The IPA phonetic transcription for the word is /ˈprɛmɪs/, with the stress on the first syllable. This emphasizes the fact that the word is spelled with an "e" before the "i" in the second syllable, even though it sounds like "miss". Remembering this key detail can help eliminate spelling errors in the future.
The term "premise" is commonly used in different fields, including logic, philosophy, and storytelling. As a noun, "premise" refers to a statement or proposition that serves as the basis for an argument, theory, or course of action. It lays the foundation upon which a conclusion or belief is formed. In logic, a premise is one of the propositions used to reach a logical conclusion via deductive reasoning.
In philosophy, a premise is an assumption or presupposition upon which an argument is grounded. It provides the starting point for philosophical inquiry and analysis. Premises can be premises of fact, which involve empirical evidence, or premises of value, which revolve around subjective opinions or moral judgments.
In storytelling, a premise is the foundational concept or idea that drives the plot of a story. It encompasses the essential elements of the narrative, including the protagonist's goal or struggle, the conflict, and the central theme. The premise sets the stage for the events that unfold and captures the attention and interest of the audience.
Overall, a premise is a fundamental statement or concept that underlies a logical argument, philosophical inquiry, or narrative structure. It acts as the building block upon which further reasoning, analysis, or storytelling can be developed.
To speak or write as introductory to the main subject; to explain or offer previously; to lay down as first propositions on which the subsequent ones are based.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "premise" originated from the Latin word "praemissus", which can be broken down into two parts: "prae" meaning "before" and "missus" meaning "sent". This Latin term developed into the Old French word "premise", which referred to something that is "sent before" in the context of an argument or statement. Eventually, it evolved into the English word "premise" with a similar meaning.