principle

Meanings

• 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"
• a rule or standard especially of good behavior
  • "a man of principle"
  • "he will not violate his principles"
• a basic truth or law or assumption
  • "the principles of democracy"
• a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
  • "the principle of the conservation of mass"
  • "the principle of jet propulsion"
• rule of personal conduct
• (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)
  • "the principles of internal-combustion engines"

Synonyms

precept, rationale, rule