Added 7 October 2026
principle
/ˈpɹɪn.sɪ.pəl/ noun
In Latin: institūtum Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about principle at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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A basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct.
their principles of composition characterized all their works
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A rule or standard especially of good behavior.
a man of principle
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A basic truth or law or assumption.
the principles of democracy
Origin
From Middle English principle, from Old French principe, from Latin prīncipium (“beginning, foundation”), from prīnceps (“first”). By surface analysis, prīmus (“first”) + -ceps (“catcher”); the former ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *preh₂- (“before”); see also prince.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)