principle

noun

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 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

In principle, Mike Yurk of Hudson agrees with that fishing strategy. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Retro outing proves fishing fun - and gear - is timeless," 14 July 2018 Related Greece and Spain were the only countries that agreed in principle to take migrants back, a move important for Ms. Merkel to avert a political crisis that brought her government close to collapse. — Nektaria Stamouli, WSJ, "Germany Delays Greece’s Final Bailout Payment," 12 July 2018 After the civil war, population and voting were, in principle if not in Jim Crow practice, aligned. — The Economist, "America’s electoral system gives the Republicans advantages over Democrats," 12 July 2018 Motel 6 has agreed in principle to settle the lawsuit, the deal is subject to the approval of a federal judge. — Jacques Billeaud, azcentral, "Motel 6 to settle claim workers gave guest info to ICE," 9 July 2018 Motel 6 has agreed in principle to settle the lawsuit. — Jacques Billeaud, The Seattle Times, "Deal struck to settle discrimination suit against Motel 6," 9 July 2018 The Bulls agreed in principle to trade point guard Jerian Grant to the Magic in a three-team deal that will bring the Bulls shooting guard Julyan Stone from the Hornets once the trade is finalized, a source said. — K.c. Johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Bulls to trade Jerian Grant, get guard Julyan Stone in three-team trade," 7 July 2018 The Charlotte Hornets have a deal in principle to sign Frenchman Tony Parker as their veteran backup to point guard Kemba Walker, an NBA source confirmed to the Observer. — Rick Bonnell, charlotteobserver, "Source: Charlotte Hornets to sign former San Antonio Spur Tony Parker," 6 July 2018 Activists feel emboldened by a recent agreement in principle in New York City to subsidize fares for as many as 800,000 residents who live below the poverty line. — Adam Vaccaro, BostonGlobe.com, "Groups want the T to provide fare discounts for low-income riders," 6 July 2018

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.