principle
A principle is a fundamental truth, law, or rule that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior, or reasoning. It can also refer to a personal code of conduct that guides how an individual chooses to act in various situations.
Examples
3 of 5I make it a principle to never borrow money from my friends or family.
I have a personal rule to avoid getting into debt with people close to me.
The legal system is built upon the principle that every person is innocent until proven guilty.
The core rule of law states that guilt must be demonstrated before someone is punished.
It's the principle of the thing; he shouldn't have taken credit for your hard work.
The moral aspect is what matters here, regardless of the actual outcome.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think: A principLE is a ruLE. Both words end in the same two letters (-le).
Quick Quiz
The ______ of supply and demand is a fundamental concept in economics.
Correct!
The correct answer is: principle
Examples
I make it a principle to never borrow money from my friends or family.
everydayI have a personal rule to avoid getting into debt with people close to me.
The legal system is built upon the principle that every person is innocent until proven guilty.
formalThe core rule of law states that guilt must be demonstrated before someone is punished.
It's the principle of the thing; he shouldn't have taken credit for your hard work.
informalThe moral aspect is what matters here, regardless of the actual outcome.
Le Chatelier's principle predicts how a chemical system at equilibrium responds to changes in conditions.
academicThis scientific law describes the behavior of chemical reactions under stress.
Our corporate strategy is guided by the principle of total transparency with our shareholders.
businessOur business approach is based on the fundamental rule of being completely open with investors.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
on principle
because of a fixed belief regarding right and wrong
man of principle
a person who has high moral standards and sticks to them
basic principles
the simplest and most important parts of a subject or system
Often Confused With
'Principal' refers to a person in charge (like a school head) or an original sum of money, while 'principle' refers to a rule or belief.
Usage Notes
The word is almost always used to describe abstract concepts like laws of nature or moral codes. It is a countable noun, so you can have 'many principles'.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent error is spelling 'principle' when the writer actually means 'principal'. Remember that 'principle' is a rule, whereas a 'principal' can be your 'pal' (a person).
Memory Tip
Think: A principLE is a ruLE. Both words end in the same two letters (-le).
Word Origin
From the Latin 'principium', meaning 'beginning, source, or foundation'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, being described as a 'person of principle' is a high compliment regarding one's integrity.
Quick Quiz
The ______ of supply and demand is a fundamental concept in economics.
Correct!
The correct answer is: principle
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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B2To organize information into a systematic list or database for easy retrieval, typically at the end of a book or within a computer system. In economics, it refers to adjusting a value or price according to a specific standard, such as inflation or the cost of living.
induce
B2To succeed in persuading or influencing someone to do something. It also means to bring about or cause a specific physical condition or reaction to happen.
infer
B2To reach a conclusion or form an opinion based on facts, evidence, or reasoning rather than on direct statements. It involves understanding a hidden meaning or 'reading between the lines' when information is not explicitly provided.
inhibit
B2To hinder, restrain, or prevent an action or process from happening or developing. It is frequently used in scientific contexts to describe slowing down a chemical or biological reaction, as well as in psychology to describe the restraint of impulses.
initiate
B2Describes someone who has been introduced to or instructed in a particular subject, group, or secret knowledge. It also refers to something that has been recently begun or is in an introductory stage.
inspect
B2To examine something closely and officially to check its condition, quality, or compliance with standards. It involves a systematic and careful look to identify flaws or ensure everything is as it should be.
integrate
B2To combine two or more things so that they work together effectively or become part of a whole. It also refers to the process of helping a person or group become part of a larger society or organization.
intrinsic
B2Intrinsic refers to a quality or characteristic that is an essential and natural part of something. It describes properties that are inherent to an object or person, rather than being added or influenced by external forces.
invoke
B2To call upon a spirit, a deity, or a person for help or inspiration. In legal and formal contexts, it means to cite a law, rule, or authority to support an argument or justify an action.
label
B2To attach a tag or piece of information to an object to describe its contents or ownership. It also refers to the act of categorizing or describing someone or something in a specific, often oversimplified, way.
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