Premisses vs. Premises — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 17, 2024
Premisses refer to the statements or propositions in an argument, while premises typically denote a property or building.
Difference Between Premisses and Premises
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Premisses are the statements or propositions from which a conclusion is drawn in logical reasoning. They form the foundation of an argument, providing the evidence or reasons that support the conclusion. Premises, on the other hand, commonly refer to a building or property, including the land and structures on it. It is used to describe the physical location of a business, residence, or any other facility.
Premisses (a variant spelling less common in American English) are primarily used in the context of logic and argumentation, focusing on abstract reasoning and ideas. Conversely, premises in the sense of property are used in everyday contexts related to real estate, business locations, and physical spaces.
In terms of usage, premisses emphasize the logical structure and components of an argument. Premises, in contrast, emphasize the tangible, physical aspects of locations and properties.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Statements or propositions in an argument
A property or building, including land and structures
Context
Logic, argumentation
Real estate, business locations
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Usage
Abstract reasoning
Physical spaces
Example
The premisses of the argument are sound.
The premises were leased to a new tenant.
Emphasis
Logical structure
Physical property
Compare with Definitions
Premisses
Initial assumptions or reasons leading to a conclusion.
If the premisses are true, the conclusion must also be true.
Premises
A building or land and the property it includes.
The company operates from new premises downtown.
Premisses
Assumptions accepted as true for the purpose of argument.
The validity of the conclusion depends on the premisses being correct.
Premises
Physical property, including the land and structures on it.
The event will be held on the premises of the community center.
Premisses
Foundations or bases for reasoning.
Her hypothesis was built on flawed premisses.
Premises
The location of a business or residence.
Visitors must sign in at the premises' main entrance.
Premisses
Starting points for a logical argument.
The debate focused on examining the premisses of each side.
Premises
Grounds or site of an establishment.
Security cameras were installed around the premises.
Premisses
Statements or propositions in an argument from which a conclusion is drawn.
The premisses of his argument were well-researched and convincing.
Premises
Premises are land and buildings together considered as a property. This usage arose from property owners finding the word in their title deeds, where it originally correctly meant "the aforementioned; what this document is about", from Latin prae-missus = "placed before".In this sense, the word is always used in the plural, but singular in construction.
Premisses
Plural of premiss
Premises
A proposition upon which an argument is based or from which a conclusion is drawn.
Premises
One of the propositions in a deductive argument.
Premises
Either the major or the minor proposition of a syllogism, from which the conclusion is drawn.
Premises
Land, the buildings on it, or both the land and the buildings on it.
Premises
A building or particular portion of a building.
Premises
(Law) The part of a deed that states the details of the conveyance of the property.
Premises
To provide a basis for; base
"The American Revolution had been premised on a tacit bargain that regional conflicts would be subordinated to the need for unity among the states" (Ron Chernow).
Premises
To state or assume as a proposition in an argument.
Premises
To state in advance as an introduction or explanation.
Premises
Plural of premise
Premises
(plural only) land, and all the built structures on it, especially when considered as a single place.
Premises
The subject of a conveyance or deed
Premises
Land and buildings together considered as a place of business;
Bread is baked on the premises
Premises
The area or property associated with a particular place.
No smoking is allowed on the school premises.
Common Curiosities
How does premises differ from premisses?
Premises refer to a property or building, while premisses refer to logical statements in an argument.
What does premisses mean?
Premisses refer to the statements or propositions in an argument from which a conclusion is drawn.
Can premisses be used in everyday conversation?
Premisses are typically used in contexts involving logic or formal argumentation rather than everyday conversation.
Can premisses be incorrect?
Yes, if premisses are incorrect, the conclusion drawn from them can also be flawed.
Is premisses commonly used in American English?
Premisses is less common in American English, where premises is often used for both meanings, relying on context.
Can premises refer to more than one location?
Yes, premises can refer to multiple properties or buildings.
Is premises used in real estate?
Yes, premises is frequently used in real estate to describe properties being sold or leased.
Can premisses be part of a debate?
Yes, premisses are often analyzed and debated in formal arguments and discussions.
Can premisses change over time?
Yes, premisses can be reevaluated and revised based on new information or perspectives.
Is premises a singular or plural term?
Premises is a singular term that refers to a property or location, though it appears plural in form.
Can premisses be tested for validity?
Yes, the validity of premisses can be examined to ensure they support a logical conclusion.
Can premises be a single building?
Yes, premises can refer to a single building and its surrounding property.
Do premisses always lead to a conclusion?
In logical reasoning, premisses are intended to lead to a conclusion, but the conclusion's validity depends on the premisses' truth.
Are premises always physical locations?
Yes, premises typically refer to physical locations, including buildings and land.
Is the term premises used in legal contexts?
Yes, premises is commonly used in legal contexts to refer to properties or buildings.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
