Meaning & Definition of word "Principle"

Principle

/ˈprɪn.sə.pəl/

1. A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.
- Example: Honesty is a principle that guides her interactions with others.
2. A rule or belief governing one's personal behavior.
- Example: He refused to compromise his principles even when faced with great pressure.
3. A moral rule or belief that helps you know what is right and wrong.
- Example: She lives by the principle of treating others as she would like to be treated.
4. A basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for further reasoning or conduct.
- Example: The principle of supply and demand is fundamental to economics.
5. A scientific rule or law that explains a natural phenomenon.
- Example: The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed.

Middle English, from Old French 'principiel', from Latin 'principium' meaning 'beginning, foundation'

principle of least action:

A principle in physics stating that the path taken by a system between two states is the one for which the action is minimized.

principle of non-contradiction:

A fundamental philosophical principle that asserts contradictory propositions cannot both be true in the same sense.

principle of conservation:

The basic principle stating that certain properties in an isolated system remain constant over time.

concept:

An abstract idea or a general notion.

theory:

A system of ideas intended to explain something.