precepts
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for precepts, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Rules or principles that guide how a person should behave or how something should be done, especially ones drawn from a moral, religious or professional tradition.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
Rules or principles that guide how a person should behave or how something should be done, especially ones drawn from a moral, religious or professional tradition.
“The order lives by the precepts laid down by its founder.”
2. noun
In Buddhism, the formal moral undertakings a follower accepts, such as the five precepts against killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct and intoxication.
“She took the five precepts at the temple that morning.”
How to use precepts
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Somewhat formal; common in religious, ethical and legal writing.
Etymology
Plural of precept, from Latin praeceptum "rule, instruction", from praecipere "to instruct, take beforehand".
Full origin of precepts →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a precept and a principle?
A principle is a general truth or belief that explains why something matters; a precept is a specific instruction telling you what to do. "Honesty matters" is a principle, "do not lie to a client" is a precept.
What are the five precepts in Buddhism?
They are undertakings to refrain from killing living beings, taking what is not given, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants that cloud the mind. They are training rules a lay follower takes on voluntarily rather than commandments imposed from outside.