B2noun 1K

Principle

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈprɪnsəpl/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈprɪnsəpl/"]/

Meaning of Principle

a moral rule or a strong belief that influences your actions

In simple words: A basic truth or rule that guides behavior

Principle in a sentence

• The principle of freedom is fundamental in democratic societies.
• She refused to betray her principles for personal gain.
• The scientific principle explains why this chemical reaction occurs.
• In our discussion, we focused on the principle of equality.
• The principle of supply and demand governs the economy.
• He operates on the principle that honesty is the best policy.

How to use Principle

Used in discussions about ethics, laws, or personal beliefs. Avoid using in casual conversations to maintain clarity, as 'principle' can be confused with 'principal', which refers to a person in a position of authority.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'principle' as your guiding 'print'; it leaves a mark on your decisions.

Related words

Collocations with Principle

• high
• founding
• guiding
• abandon
• betray
• compromise
• against your principles
• on principle
• a matter of principle
• a man/​woman of principle
• basic
• broad
• central
• violate
• embody
• embrace
• apply
• underlie something
• underpin something
• in principle
• principle behind
• the pleasure principle
• the precautionary principle
• the uncertainty principle

Synonyms for Principle

• rule
• law
• precept
• standard
• truth

Opposites of Principle

• deviation
• exception

Common mistakes with Principle

• Confused with 'principal', which means head of a school or main.
• Incorrectly pluralized as 'principles' when speaking about a single rule.
• 'Principle' used in a context that requires 'principled' (adjective form).

Frequently asked questions about Principle

What does Principle mean?

A basic truth or rule that guides behavior

What is the definition of Principle?

a moral rule or a strong belief that influences your actions

How do you use Principle in a sentence?

The principle of freedom is fundamental in democratic societies.

Can you give another example of Principle?

She refused to betray her principles for personal gain.

What are synonyms for Principle?

Common alternatives include rule, law, precept, standard, truth.

What is the opposite of Principle?

Opposite meanings include deviation, exception.

What words go with Principle?

It commonly pairs with high, founding, guiding, abandon, betray, compromise, against your principles, on principle, a matter of principle, a man/​woman of principle, basic, broad, central, violate, embody, embrace, apply, underlie something, underpin something, in principle, principle behind, the pleasure principle, the precautionary principle, the uncertainty principle.

What are common mistakes when using Principle?

Confused with 'principal', which means head of a school or main. Incorrectly pluralized as 'principles' when speaking about a single rule. 'Principle' used in a context that requires 'principled' (adjective form).

How do you pronounce Principle?

US: /["/ˈprɪnsəpl/"]/, UK: /["/ˈprɪnsəpl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Principle?

Used in discussions about ethics, laws, or personal beliefs. Avoid using in casual conversations to maintain clarity, as 'principle' can be confused with 'principal', which refers to a person in a position of authority.

What CEFR level is Principle?

"Principle" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.