 principle |
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| 1. | [ noun ] a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct | |
| Synonyms: | rule | |
| Examples: | "their principles of composition characterized all their works" |
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| Related terms: | generalization pillar feng_shui Yin yang | |
| 2. | [ noun ] a rule or standard especially of good behavior | |
| Examples: | : "a man of principle" "he will not violate his principles" |
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| Related terms: | value ethic Hellenism legal_principle scruple accounting_principle chivalry | |
| 3. | [ noun ] a basic truth or law or assumption | |
| Examples: | : "the principles of democracy" |
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| Related terms: | law fundamentals dictate logic Tao conservation reality_principle pleasure_principle | |
| 4. | [ noun ] a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system | |
| Synonyms: | rule | |
| Examples: | : "the principle of the conservation of mass" "the principle of jet propulsion" "the right-hand rule for inductive fields" |
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| Related terms: | law le_chatelier's_law principle_of_liquid_displacement huygens'_principle_of_superposition law_of_parsimony naegele's_rule mass-energy_equivalence mass-action_principle localisation gestalt_law_of_organization principle_of_equivalence principle_of_superposition Gresham's_law | |
| 5. | [ noun ] rule of personal conduct | |
| Synonyms: | precept | |
| Related terms: | rule moral_principle hypothetical_imperative caveat_emptor higher_law ethic | |
| 6. | [ noun ] (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature) | |
| Synonyms: | rationale | |
| Examples: | "the rationale for capital punishment" "the principles of internal-combustion engines" |
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| Related terms: | explanation dialectics law | |
| Similar spelling: |
principled Principe principen principal prince pronucleus Principato principally Pringle princess princely principality Princeton princedom princewood preying |
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