principle

Definition

  • noun: a moral rule or belief that helps you know what is right and wrong and that influences your actions
  • noun: a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption
  • synonyms: beginning, commencement, maxim

Examples

  • His investment strategy is based on the 'principle' that the stock market offers the best returns for long-term investors.

  • As 'a matter of principle', he would not accept the gift. [=he did not feel that it was right to accept the gift]

  • She refused 'on principle' [=because of her beliefs] to give toy guns to the children.

Movie clips

Movie quotes