principle
/ˈpɹɪnsəpəl/
A principle is an unchanging anchor. Whether it is a moral code, a scientific law, or a logical axiom, it represents the 'first' or most basic truth from which everything else follows. In a moral context, it carries a heavy sense of integrity and rigidity. When someone acts "on principle," they are prioritizing a conceptual rule over personal convenience or emotion. This often contrasts with "pragmatism," where one might compromise a principle to achieve a practical result. In scientific or technical contexts, it is the underlying mechanism. It describes the 'how' and 'why' of a process rather than just the observation of the result. While a 'rule' tells you what to do, a 'principle' explains why that rule exists.
💬Casual Conversation
Bro, just ape into this coin. It's based on the principle of decentralized scarcity.
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Meanings
A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.
"The company was founded on the principle of absolute transparency."
Collocations & Compounds
guiding principle
Noun collocation: a primary rule that directs a person's behavior or a project's direction
The guiding principle of the organization is to prioritize sustainability over profit.
basic principle
Noun collocation: a fundamental truth or a simple rule that forms the basis of a system
Understanding the basic principle of supply and demand is essential for any economics student.
moral principle
Noun collocation: a standard of behavior regarding right and wrong
She refused to take the bribe because it violated her deepest moral principle.
scientific principle
Noun collocation: a law of nature or a general rule describing a physical phenomenon
The scientific principle of inertia explains why passengers jerk forward when a car stops suddenly.
adhere to a principle
Verb collocation: to follow or remain loyal to a specific rule or belief
The judge vowed to adhere to the principle of impartiality throughout the trial.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word principium, meaning a beginning, first part, or foundation, which is formed from primus meaning first and capere meaning to take. It entered Middle English via the Old French principal, evolving from a term describing a starting point to one denoting a fundamental law or a guiding moral code.