principle

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A basic truth or rule that explains how something works or guides how you act.

   The teacher explained the basic principles of democracy.

2. 2
   noun

   A personal rule about right and wrong that guides your behaviour.

   She refused the bribe because it went against her principles.

3. 3
   noun

   A scientific law describing how something in nature behaves.

   The principle of conservation of mass states that matter is not created or destroyed.

From Middle English principle, from Old French principe, from Latin prīncipium (“beginning, foundation”), from prīnceps (“first”). By surface analysis, prīmus (“first”) + -ceps (“catcher”); the former ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *preh₂- (“before”); see also prince.

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