principle
noun
1. a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
- their principles of composition characterized all their works
Similar word(s): rule
Definition categories: thought, generalisation, generality, generalization
2. a rule or standard especially of good behavior
- a man of principle
- he will not violate his principles
Definition categories: thought, value
3. a basic truth or law or assumption
- the principles of democracy
Definition categories: thought, law
4. a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
- the principle of the conservation of mass
- the principle of jet propulsion
Similar word(s): rule
Definition categories: thought, law
5. rule of personal conduct
Similar word(s): precept
Definition categories: communication, prescript, rule
6. (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)
- the principles of internal-combustion engines
Similar word(s): rationale
Definition categories: thought, explanation
Sentences with principle as a noun:
- We need some sort of principles to reason from.
- The principle of least privilege holds that a process should only receive the permissions it needs.
- I don't doubt your principles.You are clearly a person of principle.It's the principle of the thing; I won't do business with someone I can't trust.
- Bernoulli's Principle
- The Pauli Exclusion Principle prevents two fermions from occupying the same state.
- The principle of the internal combustion engine
- Many believe that life is the result of some vital principle.
verb
1. (transitive) To equip with principles; to establish, or fix, in certain principles; to impress with any tenet or rule of conduct.