premise

(noun) a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn. Synonyms: premiss, assumption. Example: "On the assumption that he has been injured we can infer that he will not to play."

(verb) set forth beforehand, often as an explanation. Example: "He premised these remarks so that his readers might understand."

(verb) furnish with a preface or introduction. Synonyms: precede, preface, introduce. Examples: "She always precedes her lectures with a joke." "He prefaced his lecture with a critical remark about the institution."

(verb) take something as preexisting and given. Synonyms: premiss.