PRINCIPLE • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Principle

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/prˈɪnsəpəl/ Listen

Principle

noun

A basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct. Synonym: rule.

A rule or standard especially of good behavior. "He will not violate his principles"

A basic truth or law or assumption.

A rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system. Synonym: rule. "The principle of jet propulsion" , "The right-hand rule for inductive fields"

Rule of personal conduct. Synonym: precept.

(law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature). Synonym: rationale. "The principles of internal-combustion engines"

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"Principle" Quotes from Famous Books

... going to achieve a galaxy in which an Earthman can some day live at peace with himself—we must each day violate all the moral codes and creeds which we held inviolate the day before? That we must fight against every ideal, every principle which our fathers taught us, because they no longer apply to our ...

— Citadel • Algirdas Jonas Budrys

... Tomorrow morning I shall calmly proceed to Paris by the express. I shall exhibit a paper covered with seals to a scribe at the G.M.P., who will utter a few lamentations as a matter of form, and demobilize me with much grumbling. With us the great principle of public justice is that no one is supposed to respect the laws; this is what has enabled us to ...

— General Bramble • Andre Maurois

... streaks of paint you noticed upon the top-piece now reveal their purpose; as the tombo darts hither and thither, even the tints appear to be those of a real dragon-fly; and even the sound of the flitting toy imitates the dragon-fly's hum. The principle of this pretty invention is much like that of the boomerang; and an expert can make his tombo, after flying across a large room, return into his hand. All the tombo sold, however, are not as good as this one; we have been lucky. Price, ...

— Glimpses of an Unfamiliar Japan - First Series • Lafcadio Hearn

... is wholly unnecessary to the Public, as the Object for Attention is the DOCTRINE ITSELF, not the MAN. Yet it may not be unnecessary to say, That he is unconnected with any Party, and under no sort of Influence public or private, but the influence of reason and principle. ...

— Common Sense • Thomas Paine

... granted that I am a rebel, but he doesn't really believe it, and this proposition of his is intended to try me and find out where I stand. Almost the last question our class debated in school was: "Is a man ever justified in acting from policy rather than principle." I took the negative, and contended that he ought to act from principle, let the consequences be what they might; but I don't think so now. I shall join that rebel privateer, and I shall do it because I am sure something will happen to your house if I don't. Now ...

— True To His Colors • Harry Castlemon

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