principle /prinˈsi-pl/

1. A source, root, origin
2. A fundamental or primary cause
3. A beginning (obsolete)
4. Essential nature
5. A theoretical basis or assumption from which to argue, etc
6. An instinct or natural tendency (as in the pleasure principle), or a faculty of the mind
7. A source of action
8. A scientific law, esp as explaining a natural phenomenon or the way a machine works
9. A fundamental truth on which others are founded or from which they spring
10. A law or doctrine from which others are derived
11. A general rule that guides one's (moral) conduct
12. Consistent regulation of behaviour according to moral law
13. The morality or moral aspect of eg a policy or course of action
14. A norm of procedure (as in the principle of first come first served)
15. A component (obsolete)
16. A constituent of a substance that gives it its distinctive character (chem)
17. Motive power or the source of it (Milton)

1. To ground in principles
2. To impress a doctrine on

prinˈcipled adjective

1. Holding certain principles
2. Having, or behaving in accordance with, good principles
3. Invoking or founded on a principle

principle of contradiction noun

The logical principle that a thing cannot both be and not be

principle of equivalence noun

A statement of the theory of relativity, shown by an observer being unable to distinguish whether the laboratory is in a uniform gravitational field or in an accelerated frame of reference

principle of least time noun

A statement that the path of a ray, eg of light, from one point to another will be that taking the least time (also Fermat's principle of least time)

principle of relativity noun

A universal law of nature stating that the laws of mechanics are not affected by a uniform rectilinear motion of the system of co-ordinates to which they are referred (see also relativity under relate)

principle of sufficient reason see under reason

principle of the excluded middle noun (logic)

The principle that a thing must be either one thing or its contradictory

• woodcrafts
• woodcut
• woodcuts
• woodcutter
• woodcutters
• woodcutting
• woodcuttings
• wood duck
• wood ducks
• wooded
• wooden
• woodener
• woodenest
• wood engraver
• wood engravers
• wood engraving
• wood engravings
• woodenhead
• woodenheaded
• woodenheadedness
• woodenheads
• wooden horse
• wooden horses
• wooden kimono
• wooden kimonos