noun
precepts
PREE-septs
Precepts (noun) means 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. Example: “The order lives by the precepts laid down by its founder.”
noun
1
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."
"He built his practice on a few simple precepts about honesty and clarity."
2
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
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRules you are meant to live or work by.
When to use it
Somewhat formal; common in religious, ethical and legal writing.
Memory tip
A percept is something you perceive; a precept is something you are told to follow.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
precept vs concept
precepts vs percepts
Common pairings
moral precepts
basic precepts
the five precepts
precepts of the faith
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The order lives by the _____ laid down by its founder.
Etymology
Plural of precept, from Latin praeceptum "rule, instruction", from praecipere "to instruct, take beforehand".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
What is the meaning of precepts?
"precepts" (noun) means 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.
What is another word for precepts?
Other words for "precepts" include principles, rules, tenets, maxims, doctrines, guidelines.
