Meaning & Definition of Principle in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A basic truth, law, or assumption.

  Example Sentence: The principles of democracy are based on equality and freedom.

• Definition: A rule or code of conduct.

  Example Sentence: She refused to lie because it was against her principles.

• Definition: A fundamental source or basis of something.

  Example Sentence: This invention operates on the principle of buoyancy.

• Definition: A moral rule or belief that helps you know what is right and wrong.

  Example Sentence: He is a man of principle and always stands by his convictions.

• Definition: A law or fact of nature applicable in a particular subject.

  Example Sentence: The principles of physics explain why the sky is blue.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• 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.

Translations

• Spanish: principio

• French: principe

• German: Prinzip

• Russian: принцип

Related Words

• concept: An abstract idea or a general notion.

• theory: A system of ideas intended to explain something.