Word
principle
Meanings
A basic rule or belief that guides behavior and decisions.
An important general truth or rule that explains how something works.
Definition
A principle is a basic rule or belief that guides how someone thinks or acts.
A principle is a fundamental rule, standard, or belief that helps people decide what is right, fair, or sensible. People often follow principles when making choices, even when it is difficult. The word can also refer to an important general truth that explains how something works.
Examples
- Honesty is a principle she refuses to compromise.
- The company’s principle is to put safety first.
- They disagreed on principle, not because of the money.
- He explained the principle behind how the engine works.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse principle (a rule or belief) with principal (a head teacher or something most important).
More at B2 level
- fascism Fascism is an extreme right-wing political system with a powerful dictator, strong nationalism, and…
- gaslighting Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that makes someone doubt their own memory, judg…
- narcissist A narcissist is someone who is excessively self-centered and craves admiration while showing little…
- niche A niche is a specialized place, role, or market that suits a particular person or product.
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
More nouns
- fascism Fascism is an extreme right-wing political system with a powerful dictator, strong nationalism, and…
- gaslighting Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that makes someone doubt their own memory, judg…
- narcissist A narcissist is someone who is excessively self-centered and craves admiration while showing little…
- empathy Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings.
- metaphor A metaphor is a way of describing something by saying it is something else to create a clear image …