Principles Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈpraɪnsɪzpəlz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the basis for a system of rules or a framework of thought.

Examples

• The company’s principles of fairness and transparency guided their decision-making process.
• The philosopher’s principles of morality were groundbreaking and influential.

Synonyms

• tenets
• postulates

Antonyms

• Exceptions
• Abuses

Additional Information

Principles are the foundation upon which a system of thought or a framework of rules is built. They are the guiding force behind decision-making and action. Effective principles can lead to stability, consistency, and long-term success.

Principles can be abstract or concrete, absolute or relative, and can serve as a source of strength, inspiration, or guidance. They can also be used as a basis for criticism, evaluation, or improvement.

Etymology

The word “principle” comes from the Old French “principale,” meaning “chief” or “principal,” and is derived from the Latin “principium,” meaning “chief” or “beginning.”

Usage Notes

Principles can be used in a variety of contexts, including philosophy, business, ethics, and politics. They can be used to describe a general truth or a specific rule, and can be applied at different levels, from personal to global.

Cultural References

Principles have been featured in various philosophical and literary works, including Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics,” Immanuel Kant’s “Critique of Pure Reason,” and John Stuart Mill’s “On Liberty.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “principle” include:

• Principle of the thing
• Pursuing a principle
• The principle behind

Related Words or Phrases

Some related words or phrases that are closely related to “principle” include:

• tenet
• postulate
• axiom
• maxim

Collocations

Some common word combinations that include the word “principle” include:

• Guiding principle
• Core principle
• Basic principle
• First principle

Frequency of Use

The word “principle” is used relatively frequently in modern language, particularly in philosophical, ethical, and business contexts.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of “principle” include:

• principe
• prinsiples
• prinsipal