Everyday · Commonly confused · Philosophy & belief
Principle: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Principle noun. A basic truth, rule or belief that guides how someone acts or how something works.
How to say it
PRIN-sih-pul/ˈprɪnsɪp(ə)l/
3 syllables, stressed on the first (PRIN).
Principle in a sentence
She turned down the bonus on principle.
The principle behind a fridge is surprisingly simple.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- rule
- tenet
- ethic
- law
Usage note
A principle is a rule or belief; principal means main. If you could swap in the word 'rule', you want principle.
Don’t confuse with principal
principal (adjective): Main or most important.
Where principle comes from
From Latin principium, a beginning or source.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The _____ behind a fridge is surprisingly simple.
- principle
- compliment
- ordnance
Show the answer
principle: The principle behind a fridge is surprisingly simple.