principle

noun

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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 Principle vs. Principal More Example Sentences Learn More about principle

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Principle vs. Principal

Yes, these two words are confusing; we see evidence of the misuse of both in newspapers and books which have been overseen by professional editors, so don’t feel bad if you have trouble with them. Principle only functions as a noun (such as “a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption”); if you want it to be an adjective you must use the word principled. Principal, on the other hand, may function as a noun (such as the head of a school) or as an adjective (meaning “most important”).

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 The pandemic has forced EU regulators into a political balancing act between preserving member states’ jurisdiction over health policy and protecting the bloc’s principle of free movement. — Nikos Chrysoloras, Bloomberg.com, "New EU Travel Plan Could Bring Clarity, Relief for Airlines," 5 Oct. 2020 As one person put it, many agreed with the blog post’s principle of work as a refuge from outside political strife. — Gregory Barber, Wired, "The Turmoil Over ‘Black Lives Matter’ and Political Speech at Coinbase," 5 Oct. 2020 That powerful principle of the First Amendment applies here. — Dean Baquet, New York Times, "An Editor’s Note on the Trump Tax Investigation," 27 Sep. 2020 If the court was enlarged to follow that principle, there would be 11 seats on the court. — Grace Segers, CBS News, "Democrats eye expanding Supreme Court if Trump's nominee is confirmed," 25 Sep. 2020 Sharp applies that principle in his paying gig, as well. — al, "Madison County, Guntersville looking forward to non-region challenge," 24 Sep. 2020 Cameron cited that principle in explaining his rationale Wednesday, saying he was bound to follow the law and the facts. — Washington Post, "With Breonna Taylor decision, summer’s anguished protests get fresh impetus for the fall," 24 Sep. 2020 Now, with Republicans in control of the White House and the Senate, Democrats are wondering whether that principle will still hold. — Haley Victory Smith, Washington Examiner, "Ginsburg told granddaughter before death she wished not to be replaced 'until a new president is installed'," 18 Sep. 2020 In line with that principle, the top job at the WTO is not sewn up for a European or an American, unlike those at the IMF or the World Bank. — The Economist, "Global trade The race to lead the WTO begins," 11 July 2020

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.