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DictionaryprincipleGuiding rule
noun

principle

PRIN-suh-puhl/ˈprɪnsəpl/

A fundamental rule or belief underlying conduct or understanding.

Returning the wallet intact puts the principle of honesty into practice.

A white adult returns a dropped wallet intact to its relieved East Asian owner, honest conduct despite opportunity to keep it.
Etymology
principleLatinbeginning, foundation

A “beginning” became a foundation on which other ideas rest: a basic assumption or doctrine. Such a foundational truth could then serve as a rule guiding conduct or reasoning.

In context

Smarter While You Sleep179:03
Social proof is a powerful psychological principle that capitalizes on the human tendency to look to others for guidance in uncertain situations.
100 Savage Psychology Tricks That Give You Unfair Control

More examples

  • The experiment demonstrates a basic principle of physics.
  • He refuses to accept expensive gifts on principle.
  • Even under pressure, she remains a person of principle.

Forms

principle · principles

principled adjective — Guided by strong moral beliefs.

Similar words

rule
Usually gives a specific instruction rather than a foundational belief.
tenet
A belief held within a particular doctrine or philosophy.
law
In science, describes a consistent relationship observed in nature.