noun
principle
PRIHN-sih-puhl
noun
1
A fundamental rule, belief, or truth that guides behaviour or reasoning.
"Honesty is one of her core principles."
"The machine works on the principle of magnetic repulsion."
How to Use Principle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA basic rule or belief that something is founded on, or that guides how a person acts.
Common mistake
Often confused with principal (main; or a school head/sum of money). Principle is always a noun meaning a rule or belief.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
guiding principle
in principle
a matter of principle
basic principles
Word Forms
principled past tense, principles singular
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Honesty is one of her core _____.
Etymology
From Latin prīncipium, "beginning, foundation," from prīnceps ("first, chief").