principle
principle Lexical Profile
principle Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A fundamental truth, proposition, or assumption that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior, or chain of reasoning.
"The legal system is built upon the fundamental principle that all individuals are equal before the law."
A moral rule, ethical standard, or personal code of conduct that guides right and honorable behavior.
"She refused to sign the misleading contract because doing so would violate her personal principles."
A general scientific theorem, natural law, or underlying mechanism that explains how a physical system or machine operates.
"Modern jet engines operate on the basic physical principle of Newton's third law of motion."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently confused with the homophone 'principal'; 'principle' functions strictly as a noun meaning a fundamental truth, rule, or moral standard, whereas 'principal' can be an adjective meaning 'most important' or a noun referring to the head of a school or a financial sum.
• Rhymes for principle
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French principe, from Latin principium ('beginning, foundation, origin'), derived from princeps ('first, chief'), combining primus ('first') and capere ('to take').