Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
       

prin·ci·ple

principle

 
 
pronunciation:
prIn sih pl
phrases:
in principle, on principle
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Note, Homophone Note, Word Explorer, Word Parts
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?
See a movie for this meaning
 
synonyms:
doctrine, precept
similar words:
assumption, belief, canon, creed, dictate, dogma, ideal, law, maxim, regulation, rule, tenet
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
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
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
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: in principle, 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.
Homophone Note
The words principle and principal sound alike but have different meanings.
Word Explorer
See
  action, behavior, moral
Word PartsSubscriber feature About this feature