principle

noun

Save Word

prin·ci·ple | \ ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl

, -sə-bəl \

Definition of principle

1a : a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption

b(1) : a rule or code of conduct

(2) : habitual devotion to right principles a man of principle

c : the laws or facts of nature underlying the working of an artificial device

2 : a primary source : origin

3a : an underlying faculty or endowment such principles of human nature as greed and curiosity

b : an ingredient (such as a chemical) that exhibits or imparts a characteristic quality

4 capitalized, Christian Science : a divine principle : god

in principle

: with respect to fundamentals prepared to accept the proposition in principle

Principle vs. Principal: Usage Guide More Example Sentences Learn More About principle

Keep scrolling for more

Principle vs. Principal: Usage Guide

Evidence of confusion between principle and principal can be found even in publications overseen by professional editors. To keep these words straight, remember that principle functions only as a noun, and in its most common uses refers to a basic rule or law, as in a guiding principle or a matter of principle. If you are looking for an adjective form of this word, you must use principled, as in taking a principled stand. Principal functions as both a noun and an adjective. The noun has various meanings referring to someone with controlling authority the school principal or in a leading position the ballet's two principals , but also has meanings relating to finance, law, and architecture. As an adjective, principal typically means "most important," as in the principal reason.

Examples of principle in a Sentence

Urban guerrilla warfare was futile against a thermonuclear superstate that would stop at nothing to defend the profit principle. — Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997 Better, of course, to take a higher road, operate on the principle of service and see if things don't turn out better … — Richard Ford, Independence Day, 1995 Pointlessness was life's principle, and it spread its sadness. — Arthur Miller, Timebends, 1987 His investment strategy is based on the principle that the stock market offers the best returns for long-term investors. the basic principles of hydraulics

Recent Examples on the Web Tens of thousands of entrepreneurs each year are able to identify opportunities that at least in principle might be able to create meaningful value for customers. — Erin Scott, Quartz, 3 Aug. 2021 In principle, the government wants at least one more power station after Hinkley Point to help meet its ambitious low-carbon targets. — New York Times, 2 Aug. 2021 But there’s no carbon in soil that can’t, in principle, be broken down by microorganisms and released into the atmosphere. — Quanta Magazine, 2 Aug. 2021 Utah has an agreement in principle to acquire Butler via a draft-night trade swung with the Memphis Grizzlies. — Eric Walden, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2 Aug. 2021 Translating an agreement in principle into legislation that could draw the support of at least 60 senators took weeks. — BostonGlobe.com, 31 July 2021 Individuals can distinguish between persons and roles, compare roles and aspire (at least in principle) to almost any role. — Cameron Hilditch, National Review, 24 July 2021 Wednesday's announcement suggests that a critical element -- a large majority of states agreeing in principle -- has been met. — Compiled Democrat-gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 22 July 2021 Wednesday's announcement suggests that a critical element — a large majority of states agreeing in principle — has been met. — Jan Hoffman New York Times, Star Tribune, 21 July 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'principle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.