26984 words

principle

11 definitions • 24 examples
1
a basic idea or rule that explains or controls how something happens or works:

Examples:

The country is run on socialist principles.
The machine works according to the principle of electromagnetic conduction.
The organization works on the principle that all members have the same rights.
2
If you agree with or believe something in principle, you agree with the idea in general, although you might not support it in reality or in every situation:

Examples:

In principle I agree with the idea, but in practice it's not always possible.
3
a moral rule or standard of good behaviour:

Examples:

She doesn't have any principles.
He was a man of principle.
Anyway, I can't deceive him - it's against all my principles.
I never gamble, as a matter of principle (= because I believe it is wrong).
She'd never ask to borrow money, on principle.
4
a moral rule or standard of good behavior or fair dealing:

Examples:

[ C ] His guiding principle is that everyone should have equal access to high-quality health care.
[ C ] He refused to compromise his principles.
5
If you believe or act on principle, you are following a personal standard of behavior:

Examples:

On principle, I never eat meat.
6
a basic truth that explains or controls how something happens or works:

Examples:

the principles of Newtonian physics
7
Someone who agrees to something in principle agrees with the idea, but may not agree with using the idea to bring about practical changes:

Examples:

In principle I agree that mothers should spend as much time as possible with their young children, but it isn’t easy.
8
a basic idea or rule that explains or controls how something happens or works:

Examples:

a principle of sth Those who paid the most would be earning the most: it's a pretty basic principle of fair taxation.
basic/fundamental/general principle The general principles of project management are much the same in the two cases.
on the principle that The organization works on the principle that all members have the same rights.
The country is run on socialist principles.
9
a moral rule or standard of good behaviour:

Examples:

I never cheat a customer, as a matter of principle.
She'd never ask to borrow money, on principle.
10
if you agree with or believe something in principle, you agree with the idea in general, although you might not agree with all the details or support it in every situation:

Examples:

In principle, we support the merger, but we think the value is insufficient.
The EU may also move to implement a ban on new investment, previously agreed in principle.
11
if something should happen in principle, it should happen in theory although it does not in fact always happen or has not yet happened:

Examples:

In principle, bonuses ought to fall when conditions get tough. In practice, they don't.

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