precept

noun

pre·​cept ˈprē-ˌsept 

1

: a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action

2

: an order issued by legally constituted authority to a subordinate official

Choose the Right Synonym for precept

law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure.

law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

Examples of precept in a Sentence

the basic precepts of a religion

I was taught by precept and by example.

Recent Examples on the Web

This astonishing record of legislative failure is a direct result of not adhering to the important committee role, the fundamental precept of regular order. —Washington Post, 9 July 2024

This precept has led the Jewish community to respond powerfully in the fight against racial segregation and discrimination: the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was drafted in large part in our building in Washington, DC. —Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY, 30 June 2024

These are precepts that have successfully reduced costs and brought technologies to market in the past. —Mirek Dušek, TIME, 26 June 2024

Each Lanthimos precept uses uncommon behavior to create satire in a void — against millennial life, specifically against the way Americans live — perhaps because his home (economically impoverished Greece) doesn’t offer box-office sexiness. —Armond White, National Review, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praeceptum, from neuter of praeceptus, past participle of praecipere to take beforehand, instruct, from prae- + capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

precept

noun

pre·​cept ˈprē-ˌsept 

: a command or principle intended as a general rule of action