#132. premise - 1. A proposition upon which an argument is based or from which a conclusion is drawn. 2. Logic. One of the propositions in a deductive argument. Either the major or the minor proposition of a syllogism, from which the conclusion is drawn. 3. Law. The preliminary or explanatory statements or facts of a document, as in a deed.
#133. coherence - 1. The quality or state of cohering, especially a logical, orderly, and aesthetically consistent relationship of parts. 2. Physics. The property of being coherent, as of waves.
#134. foundation - 1. The act of founding, especially the establishment of an institution with provisions for future maintenance. 2. The basis on which a thing stands, is founded, or is supported. 3. Funds for the perpetual support of an institution; an endowment. An institution founded and supported by an endowment.
#135. presumption - 1. Behavior or language that is boldly arrogant or offensive; effrontery. 2. The act of presuming or accepting as true. 3. Acceptance or belief based on reasonable evidence; assumption or supposition.
#136. colloquial - 1. Characteristic of or appropriate to the spoken language or to writing that seeks the effect of speech; informal. 2. Relating to conversation; conversational.
#137. gratuitous - 1. Given or granted without return or recompense; unearned. Given or received without cost or obligation; free. 2. Unnecessary or unwarranted; unjustified: gratuitous criticism.
#138. protagonist - 1. The main character in a drama or other literary work. 2. In ancient Greek drama, the first actor to engage in dialogue with the chorus, in later dramas playing the main character and some minor characters as well. 3. A leading or principal figure. The leader of a cause; a champion.