- pronunciation:
- prIn
sih
p
l
- features:
- Note, Homophone Note, Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
A principle is a basic belief about something. The belief that all people should be treated in an equal and fair manner is a principle that the laws of many countries are based on.
A principle of the Christian religion is that God forgives people's sins.- similar words:
- belief, ideal, law, regulation, rule
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| definition 2: |
Your principles are your own set of rules for how you should act and how you should treat other people. If you have high principles, it means you always try to do what you believe is good and right.
Mr. Lee could have kept the wallet that he found on the sidewalk, but his principles made him try to find the person who lost it.- synonyms:
- morality, morals
- similar words:
- ideals
|
| definition 3: |
A principle is a law or rule that is based on testing and proof.
You can't design an airplane if you don't understand the principles involved in making an airplane fly.- similar words:
- basic, basis, rule, truth
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| related words: |
code, foundation, platform |
principle or principal?
Principle is a noun that means a basic idea or belief.
Principal is an adjective that means main or most important. It is also a noun that refers to the person in charge of a school.
Compare:
- A principle of democracy is "One person, one vote."
- His principal responsibility at work is sorting the mail.
- The principal made an announcement to the students.
The words
principle and
principal sound alike but have different meanings.