Dictionary
principle
noun prin·ci·ple \ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl, -sə-bəl\
: a moral rule or belief that helps you know what is right and wrong and that influences your actions
: a basic truth or theory : an idea that forms the basis of something
: a law or fact of nature that explains how something works or why something happens
Full Definition of PRINCIPLE
1
a : a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption b (1) : a rule or code of conduct (2) : habitual devotion to right principles <a man of principle> c : the laws or facts of nature underlying the working of an artificial device
2
: a primary source : origin
3
4
capitalized Christian Science : a divine principle : god
— in principle
: with respect to fundamentals <prepared to accept the proposition in principle>
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Usage Discussion of PRINCIPLE
Although nearly every handbook and many dictionaries warn against confusing principle and principal, many people still do. Principle is only a noun; principal is both adjective and noun. If you are unsure which noun you want, read the definitions in this dictionary.
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Examples of PRINCIPLE
- Urban guerrilla warfare was futile against a thermonuclear superstate that would stop at nothing to defend the profit principle. —Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997
- Better, of course, to take a higher road, operate on the principle of service and see if things don't turn out better … —Richard Ford, Independence Day, 1995
- Pointlessness was life's principle, and it spread its sadness. —Arthur Miller, Timebends, 1987
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Origin of PRINCIPLE
Middle English, from Middle French principe, principle, from Old French, from Latin principium beginning, from princip-, princeps initiator — more at prince
First Known Use: 14th century
Rhymes with PRINCIPLE
PRINCIPLE Defined for Kids
principle
noun prin·ci·ple \ˈprin-sə-pəl\
Definition of PRINCIPLE for Kids
1
: a general or basic truth on which other truths or theories can be based <scientific principles>
2
: a rule of conduct based on beliefs of what is right and wrong
3
: a law or fact of nature which makes possible the working of a machine or device <the principle of magnetism>
Medical Dictionary
principle
noun prin·ci·ple \ˈprin(t)-sə-pəl\
Medical Definition of PRINCIPLE
1
: a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption
2
: an ingredient (as a chemical) that exhibits or imparts a characteristic quality <the active principle of a drug>
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Next Word in the Dictionary: principledPrevious Word in the Dictionary: principiumAll Words Near: principle
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