principle

US /ˈprɪn.sə.pəl/
UK /ˈprɪn.sə.pəl/
"principle" picture
1.

a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning

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The principle of equality is central to their philosophy.
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He lives by a strict set of moral principles.
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truthpropositionconceptideatheory
2.

a general scientific theorem or law that has been established and is generally accepted

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The principle of gravity explains why objects fall to the earth.
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Understanding the basic principles of physics is essential.
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lawruletheorydoctrine
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principledaccounting principle