precept

noun

pre·​cept ˈprē-ˌsept How to pronounce precept (audio)
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 As teenage boys are wont to do, Reuven and Danny question and challenge many of their elders' precepts. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2024 That has always been the NRA's driving force, and the only thing that changed after 1977 was the militarization of this organizing precept. TIME, 12 Feb. 2024 Pre-emptive rights in a JOA ordinarily apply equally or symmetrically to all partners under the precept that what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Ed Hirs, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Bureaucrats, tycoons, and pop stars have been required to endorse it; students now learn it in school; CCP members must use a smartphone app that regularly communicates its precepts. Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Their focus on such a fundamental precept − on the survival of the American experiment − underscores how high the stakes of this election seem to many citizens. Susan Page, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2024 That point is a core precept of the National Academy of Medicine’s 2022 report Global Roadmap for Healthy Longevity. Judith Graham, Fortune Well, 10 Feb. 2024 Doubts abound about a new Alzheimer’s blood test That point is a core precept of the National Academy of Medicine’s 2022 report Global Roadmap for Healthy Longevity. Judith Graham, CNN, 8 Feb. 2024 Many of you will recognize this as a Kantian precept. Merve Emre, The New York Review of Books, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'precept.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of precept was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near precept

Cite this Entry

“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precept. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

precept

noun
pre·​cept ˈprē-ˌsept How to pronounce precept (audio)
: a command or principle intended as a general rule of action
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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