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

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."

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 notes

In 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".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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principles rules tenets maxims doctrines guidelines vows observances

Related words

Rules philosophy criteria directions ethics conscience morality creed

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.

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Rules philosophy criteria directions ethics conscience morality creed