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Definition principle in British English

principle noun

noun
/ˈprɪnsəp(ə)l/
1

a basic belief, theory, or rule that has a major influence on the way in which something is done

Example

Excellent customer service should be our guiding principle.

Example

It is a basic principle of English law that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

Example

the principle that education should be free to everyone

Synonyms and related words
thought idea belief
1.1

one of the major ideas or theories that a system of beliefs is based on, for example in religion or politics

Example

Marxist/Buddhist/democratic principles

Example

the principles and ideals that the party stands for

Synonyms and related words
thought idea belief
2

a basic rule or belief about what is right and morally good, that influences the way that you behave and the way that you treat other people

Example

He seems to have absolutely no principles.

Example

It was against their principles to join the armed forces.

Example

Bennett stuck to his principles, and refused to name the source of his information.

Synonyms and related words
thought idea belief
Example

a woman of principle

Example

We are opposed on principle to any collaboration with terrorists.

Example

There are some basic issues of principle relating to the debate about abortion.

Synonyms and related words
virtue goodness purity
3

a scientific theory or basic natural law that explains the way in which something works

Example

Windmills differ in design, but all operate on exactly the same principle.

Example

Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle

Example

It was Darwin who first identified the 'principle of female choice'.

Synonyms and related words
explanation interpretation instructions
Definition principle in British English