principle
ˈprɪnsəpəl
Definition Synonyms

Definition of principle - Reverso English Dictionary

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Noun

1.
moralitymoral rule guiding personal conduct
  • She refused the offer on principle.
ethic tenet
2.
philosophyfundamental truth or law serving as a foundation
  • The principle of gravity affects everything on Earth.
axiom doctrine tenet
3.
scienceTECH.basic rule or law explaining natural phenomenaTECH.
  • The principle of conservation of energy is crucial in physics.
axiom law tenet
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Expressions with principle

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based on a moral rule or belief
She refused the gift on principle.
something that is important to do because of moral beliefs
She refused to lie, it was a matter of principle.
maintain a position based on ethical standards
He stood on principle and reported the corruption.
essential concept or foundation
Understanding gravity is a basic principle of physics.
main idea or rule that influences actions or decisions
Honesty is a guiding principle in our company.
according to basic rules or theory without details
In principle, the plan should work well.

Origin of principle

Latin, principium (beginning, foundation)

Terms with principle included in their meaning

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guideline
principle or regulation governing conduct, action, or procedure
knowledge
comprehend a fact or principle
basedadj.
foundation
founded on a particular idea or principle
personal growth
moral or principle learned from an experience
judging rule
rule or principle used to judge or decide something
opposition
oppose a trend or principle
education
experience that teaches a valuable principle
philosophy
short phrase expressing a guiding principle

Examples of principle in a sentence

  • Her principle prevented her from lying.
  • The principle of equality is central to democracy.
  • He explained the principle of supply and demand.
  • The principle of gravity affects all objects.
  • Understanding the principle of relativity is essential.

View all translations of principle

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:principe, fondement, ...
  2. German:Prinzip, Gesetzmäßigkeit, ...
  3. Italian:principio, fondamento, ...
  4. Spanish:principio, fundamento, ...
  5. Portuguese:princípio, fundamento, ...
  6. Chinese:原则, 原理, ...
  7. Japanese:信念, 原理, ...
  8. Arabic:مَبْدَأ, قاعِدَة أَسَاسِيَّة, ...
  9. Hebrew:עִיקָּרוֹן, עִקָּרוֹן, ...
  10. Russian:принцип, закон, ...
  11. Ukrainian:принцип, засада, ...
  12. Hindi:सिद्धांत, मूल सिद्धांत, ...

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