principle

noun

UK /ˈprɪnsəp(ə)l/

Word Forms

singular	principle
plural	principles

1
countable a basic belief, theory, or rule that has a major influence on the way in which something is done
Excellent customer service should be our guiding principle.
principle of:
It is a basic principle of English law that a person is innocent until proven guilty.
principle that:
the principle that education should be free to everyone
Synonyms and related words
Thoughts, ideas and beliefs
thought
idea
belief
1. 1a
  often pluralone of the major ideas or theories that a system of beliefs is based on, for example in religion or politics
  Marxist/Buddhist/democratic principles
  the principles and ideals that the party stands for
  Synonyms and related words
  Thoughts, ideas and beliefs
  thought
  idea
  belief
2
countable usually plurala basic rule or belief about what is right and morally good, that influences the way that you behave and the way that you treat other people
He seems to have absolutely no principles.
against someone’s principles:
It was against their principles to join the armed forces.
stick to/stand by your principles:
Bennett stuck to his principles, and refused to name the source of his information.
Synonyms and related words
Thoughts, ideas and beliefs
thought
idea
belief
1. 2a
  uncountable morally correct behaviour
  a woman of principle
  on principle:
  We are opposed on principle to any collaboration with terrorists.
  a point/matter/issue of principle:
  There are some basic issues of principle relating to the debate about abortion.
  Synonyms and related words
  Morally good or correct behaviour
  virtue
  goodness
  purity
3
countable a scientific theory or basic natural law that explains the way in which something works
Windmills differ in design, but all operate on exactly the same principle.
Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
principle of:
It was Darwin who first identified the ‘principle of female choice’.
Synonyms and related words
Explanations and explaining
explanation
interpretation
instructions

phrases

in principle

principle ​‌‌‌

principle ​‌‌‌

principle

principle