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n. Idioms: 1. A basic truth, law, or assumption: the principles of democracy. 2. a. A rule or standard, especially of good behavior: a man of principle. b. The collectivity of moral or ethical standards or judgments: a decision based on principle rather than expediency. 3. A fixed or predetermined policy or mode of action. 4. A basic or essential quality or element determining intrinsic nature or characteristic behavior: the principle of self-preservation. 5. A rule or law concerning the functioning of natural phenomena or mechanical processes: the principle of jet propulsion. 6. Chemistry One of the elements that compose a substance, especially one that gives some special quality or effect. 7. A basic source. See Usage Note at principal. in principle With regard to the basics: an idea that is acceptable in principle. on principle According to or because of principle. [Middle English, alteration of Old French principe, from Latin prīncipium, from prīnceps, prīncip-, leader, emperor; see per1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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