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prin·ci·ple
 principle
- pronunciation:
- prIn
sih
p
 l
- phrases:
- in principle, on principle
- features:
- Note, Homophone Note, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
a law, doctrine, or assumption on which action or behavior is based.
Are these laws based on the principles of liberty and justice for all citizens?
- synonyms:
- doctrine, precept
- similar words:
- assumption, belief, canon, creed, dictate, dogma, ideal, law, maxim, regulation, rule, tenet
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| definition 2: |
(pl.) a personal code of behavior or morality.
They are ruthless and have no principles.- synonyms:
- ethics, morality, morals, standards
- similar words:
- ideals, propriety, rectitude, righteousness
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| definition 3: |
an inherent sense of morality that directs or restrains actions.
A person of principle can't always comply with an unjust law.- synonyms:
- character, honor, integrity, morality, morals, rectitude
- similar words:
- conscience, dignity, probity, propriety, uprightness
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| definition 4: |
a law or rule that is presupposed or scientifically proven.
The engine's designers well understood the principles of internal combustion.- synonyms:
- element, law
- similar words:
- assumption, basic, basis, canon, fundamental, precept, premise, rudiment, rule, theorem, truth
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| related words: |
actuality, aesthetic, axiom, charter, code, constitution, conviction, doctrine, foundation, honor, ideology, integrity, platform, postulate, theory |
| phrase: |
in principle |
| phrase: |
on principle |
principle or principal?
Principle is a noun that means a basic idea or belief. Principal is an adjective that means main or most important. It is also a noun that refers to the person in charge of a school. Compare: - A principle of democracy is One person, one vote.
- His principal responsibility at work is sorting the mail.
- The principal made an announcement to the students.
The words principle and principal sound alike but have different meanings.
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