principle

Main Entry:: prin·ci·ple
Pronunciation:: \ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl, -sə-bəl\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, from Middle French principe, principle, from Old French, from Latin principium beginning, from princip-, princeps initiator — more at prince
Date:: 14th century

1 a: a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption b (1): a rule or code of conduct (2): habitual devotion to right principles <a man of principle> c: the laws or facts of nature underlying the working of an artificial device2: a primary source : origin3 a: an underlying faculty or endowment <such principles of human nature as greed and curiosity> b: an ingredient (as a chemical) that exhibits or imparts a characteristic quality4capitalized Christian Science : a divine principle : god

— in principle

: with respect to fundamentals <prepared to accept the proposition in principle>

usage Although nearly every handbook and many dictionaries warn against confusing principle and principal, many people still do. Principle is only a noun; principal is both adjective and noun. If you are unsure which noun you want, read the definitions in this dictionary.

Learn more about "principle" and related topics at Britannica.com

See a map of "principle" in the Visual Thesaurus

Find Jobs in Your City

Pronunciation Symbols