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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Principle Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：fundamental truth (principle)

principle 🔊

/ˈprɪnsəpəl/

A basic truth or idea that explains how something works or why something happens.

Principle of leverage shown by balanced mechanical scale on wooden table

fundamental truth 🔊

➕

/ˌfʌndəˈmɛntl truːθ/

A basic, general truth that explains how something works or why something happens, often forming the foundation of a system or theory.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'principium' (beginning, foundation), from 'princeps' (first, chief).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'prince' (princeps) who sets the 'principal' rule — the first and most important guideline.

📖 Example

The basic principle behind the engine is that burning fuel creates expanding gases that push pistons. 🔊 The basic principle behind the engine is that burning fuel creates expanding gases that push pistons.

🔗 Collocations

first principle – a fundamental, self-evident truth that cannot be deduced from any other

principle of equality – the idea that all people should be treated equally

scientific principle – a fundamental law or concept in science

🔄 Synonyms

axiom (n.) – A statement or proposition that is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true.

tenet (n.) – A principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy.

doctrine (n.) – A set of beliefs or principles held by a group.

🚫 Antonyms

exception (n.) – A thing that does not follow a rule or principle.

anomaly (n.) – Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

🌱 Derivatives

principled (adj.) – acting in accordance with moral principles

unprincipled (adj.) – without moral principles; dishonest

principally (adv.) – for the most part; chiefly

📖 Cultural Story

Entered English via Old French 'principe' and Latin 'principium'. Frequently used in legal and scientific contexts, e.g., 'first principles' in physics or 'principles of law' in jurisprudence.

Meaning 2：moral rule (principle)

principle 🔊

/ˈprɪnsəpəl/

A personal rule or belief about what is right and wrong, which guides your actions.

Person refusing money to illustrate moral principle in office setting

moral rule 🔊

➕

/ˈmɔrəl ruːl/

A personal or societal rule about right and wrong behavior that guides a person's decisions and actions.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

He refused to lie on the report, not because it was easy, but because honesty was a core principle for him. 🔊 He refused to lie on the report, not because it was easy, but because honesty was a core principle for him.

🔗 Collocations

moral principle – a personal standard of right and wrong

stand on principle – to act according to one's moral beliefs despite pressure

principle of integrity – the concept of being honest and having strong moral principles

🔄 Synonyms

ethic (n.) – A set of moral principles that govern a person's behavior.

virtue (n.) – A quality considered morally good or desirable in a person.

precept (n.) – A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.

🚫 Antonyms

immorality (n.) – The quality of being morally wrong.

corruption (n.) – Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power.

🌱 Derivatives

principled (adj.) – acting in accordance with moral principles

unprincipled (adj.) – without moral principles; dishonest

principleless (adj.) – lacking moral principles