1 in principle | Definition of in principle
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principle

noun
prin·​ci·​ple | \ ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl How to pronounce principle (audio) , -sə-bəl\

Definition of principle

1a : a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption
b(1) : a rule or code of conduct
(2) : habitual devotion to right principles a man of principle
c : the laws or facts of nature underlying the working of an artificial device
2 : a primary source : origin
3a : an underlying faculty or endowment such principles of human nature as greed and curiosity
b : an ingredient (such as a chemical) that exhibits or imparts a characteristic quality
4 capitalized, Christian Science : a divine principle : god
in principle
: with respect to fundamentals prepared to accept the proposition in principle
Principle vs. Principal: Usage Guide Principle vs. Principal More Example Sentences Learn More about principle

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Principle vs. Principal: Usage Guide

Although nearly every handbook and many dictionaries warn against confusing principle and principal, many people still do. Principle is only a noun; principal is both adjective and noun. If you are unsure which noun you want, read the definitions in this dictionary.

Principle vs. Principal

Yes, these two words are confusing; we see evidence of the misuse of both in newspapers and books which have been overseen by professional editors, so don’t feel bad if you have trouble with them. Principle only functions as a noun (such as “a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption”); if you want it to be an adjective you must use the word principled. Principal, on the other hand, may function as a noun (such as the head of a school) or as an adjective (meaning “most important”). 

Examples of principle in a Sentence

Urban guerrilla warfare was futile against a thermonuclear superstate that would stop at nothing to defend the profit principle. — Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997 Better, of course, to take a higher road, operate on the principle of service and see if things don't turn out better … — Richard Ford, Independence Day, 1995 Pointlessness was life's principle, and it spread its sadness. — Arthur Miller, Timebends, 1987 His investment strategy is based on the principle that the stock market offers the best returns for long-term investors. the basic principles of hydraulics
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Recent Examples on the Web

 That’s been the guiding principle of a Pacifica dining institution for a half century. — John Horgan, The Mercury News, "Horgan: Weekend mornings on the levee: ‘Tour de Shoreview’," 4 Sep. 2019 This is the underlying principle behind how modern science comes to its conclusions. — Hannah Fry, The New Yorker, "What Statistics Can and Can’t Tell Us About Ourselves," 2 Sep. 2019 There are five guiding principles of the Innovation Pathways program. — Jennifer Fenn Lefferts, BostonGlobe.com, "More high schools are forging a path to careers," 29 Aug. 2019 This dictum, at the heart of so much young entrepreneurship, is the guiding principle of the Unincorporated Life, a high-end fashion camp for kids, in Hollywood. — Arit John, New York Times, "Where Did North West Learn to Sew? At Camp, of Course," 21 Aug. 2019 Joe’s choice of profession is a key to understanding why The Joe Rogan Experience can seem like a safe space for retrograde assholes: Among comics, radical free speech is a first principle. — Devin Gordon, The Atlantic, "I Tried to Live Like Joe Rogan," 19 Aug. 2019 Keith Isaacs Serene and minimal were the guiding principles for Smitharc’s design for Matt Ellis and Sheila Lee’s home in Durham, North Carolina. — Samantha Weiss Hills, Curbed, "Dining room ideas to steal from eight gorgeous homes," 5 Aug. 2019 Though there is no guidebook, there are a few basic principles that can help make the way clearer. — National Geographic, "Is the food appropriate and safely provided?," 31 July 2019 Freedom of navigation is a core principle of international law. — The Economist, "Iran seizes a British oil tanker," 19 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'principle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of principle

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for principle

Middle English, from Middle French principe, principle, from Old French, from Latin principium beginning, from princip-, princeps initiator — more at prince

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More Definitions for principle

principle

noun
How to pronounce principle (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of principle

: a moral rule or belief that helps you know what is right and wrong and that influences your actions
: a basic truth or theory : an idea that forms the basis of something
: a law or fact of nature that explains how something works or why something happens

See the full definition for principle in the English Language Learners Dictionary

principle

noun
prin·​ci·​ple | \ ˈprin-sə-pəl How to pronounce principle (audio) \

Kids Definition of principle

1 : a general or basic truth on which other truths or theories can be based scientific principles
2 : a rule of conduct based on beliefs of what is right and wrong
3 : a law or fact of nature which makes possible the working of a machine or device the principle of magnetism

principle

noun
prin·​ci·​ple | \ ˈprin(t)-sə-pəl How to pronounce principle (audio) \

Medical Definition of principle

1 : a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption
2 : an ingredient (as a chemical) that exhibits or imparts a characteristic quality the active principle of a drug

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More from Merriam-Webster on principle

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with principle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for principle

Spanish Central: Translation of principle

Nglish: Translation of principle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English:

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