principles definition

 principles

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principle

noun

plural noun: principles

1.

a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behaviour or for a chain of reasoning.

"the basic principles of justice"

Similar:

truth

proposition

concept

idea

theory

postulate

assumption

basis

fundamental

essence

essential

philosophy

a rule or belief governing one's behaviour.

"struggling to be true to their own principles"

Similar:

morals

morality

moral standards

moral values

ethics

code of ethics

beliefs

credo

ideals

standards

integrity

uprightness

high-mindedness

righteousness

virtue

probity

rectitude

sense of honour

honour

decency

conscience

sense of duty

scruples

morally correct behaviour and attitudes.

"a man of principle"

Similar:

morals

morality

moral standards

moral values

ethics

code of ethics

beliefs

credo

ideals

standards

integrity

uprightness

high-mindedness

righteousness

virtue

probity

rectitude

sense of honour

honour

decency

conscience

sense of duty

scruples

2.

a general scientific theorem or law that has numerous special applications across a wide field.

a natural law forming the basis for the construction or working of a machine.

"these machines all operate on the same general principle"

3.

a fundamental source or basis of something.

"the first principle of all things was water"

a fundamental quality determining the nature of something.

"the combination of male and female principles"

Chemistry

an active or characteristic constituent of a substance, obtained by simple analysis or separation.

"the active principle of Spanish fly"