Principle — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl/ prin·ci·ple

Meaning & Definition of Principle

Principle (noun)

  1. a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption
  2. a rule or code of conduct
  3. habitual devotion to what is right

Principle (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something (such as a belief or value) that helps a person know what is right and wrong and that influences their actions

    "He refused to participate on principle."

    "It is against her principles to steal."

    similar: precept, rule, standard, tenet, moral, norm, value, hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis, axiom, truism, verity, belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, gospel, law, basis, foundation, ground, conclusion, deduction, inference, affirmation, assertion, avouchment, declaration, dictum, ipse dixit, assumption, given, hypothetical, if, postulate, premise, presumption, presupposition, supposition

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Principle

The most common words with a similar meaning to Principle:

precept, rule, standard, tenet, moral, norm, value, hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis, axiom, truism, verity, belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, gospel, law, basis, foundation, ground, conclusion, deduction, inference, affirmation, assertion, avouchment, declaration, dictum, ipse dixit, assumption, given, hypothetical, if, postulate, premise, presumption, presupposition

Origin & Etymology of Principle

Middle English, from Middle French principe, principle, from Old French, from Latin principium beginning, from princip-, princeps initiator prince

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Principle

Words & Phrases Containing Principle

acceleration principle, anthropic principle, Bernoulli's principle, exclusion principle, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, indeterminacy principle, in principle, Pauli exclusion principle, Peter Principle

Frequently Asked Questions about Principle

What does "Principle" mean?

"Principle" means a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption. As a noun, it is defined as: a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption.

What is another word for "Principle"?

Other words for "Principle" include precept, rule, standard, tenet, moral, norm, value and hypothesis. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Principle" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Principle"?

There are 41 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Principle". Common alternatives include precept, rule, standard, tenet, moral, norm, value, hypothesis, proposition and theory.

How do you use "Principle" in a sentence?

Examples of "Principle" in a sentence: "He refused to participate on principle."; "It is against her principles to steal.".

Is "Principle" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Principle" is a noun.

Is "Principle" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Principle" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Principle"?

"Principle" is pronounced /ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl/ and divided into syllables as prin·ci·ple.

What is the origin of the word "Principle"?

"Principle" comes from Middle English, from Middle French principe, principle, from Old French, from Latin principium beginning, from princip-, princeps initiator prince. First known use: 14th century.