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 More Example Sentences Learn More About principle

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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 Robert Cialdini discussed this principle and its mechanisms in his book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. — James O'connor, Forbes, 2 Sep. 2021 For almost six decades, Watts, who died on Tuesday at 80, lived this principle as the less visible heart and soul of the Rolling Stones. — BostonGlobe.com, 25 Aug. 2021 Therefore, the American people deserve to know the extent to which their government is using Big Tech to violate this basic constitutional principle and do what the Constitution forbids of it. — Bill Hagerty, National Review, 29 July 2021 The nation was built on this principle of equality, and Americans of all political perspectives must live it. — Michael K. Gusmano, Scientific American, 22 July 2021 Indeed, the Civil Service in the UK operated on this principle until 2019 but used a 25% top performer quota. — Bogdan Costea, Quartz, 5 July 2021 This principle ostensibly prevented any one party from exercising monopoly control over natural resources. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 13 June 2021 Follow this principle and your suit will do the talking. — Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 9 June 2021 So, my fear is that these people are going to walk out of principle. — Kayla Rivas, Fox News, 24 Aug. 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.