principle

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
  2. noun a rule or standard especially of good behavior
  3. noun a basic truth or law or assumption

Etymology

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

rule

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