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1. 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"
   - rule
    
2. A rule or standard especially of good behaviour
   "a man of principle"; "he will not violate his principles"
    
3. A basic truth or law or assumption
   "the principles of democracy"
    
4. 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
    
5. Rule of personal conduct
   - precept
    
6. (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"
   - rationale

Sounds like: principal

Derived forms: principles

Type of: explanation, generalisation [Brit], generality, generalization, law, law of nature, natural law, prescript, rule, value

Part of: ethic, ethical code

Encyclopedia: Principle