principle
| 1. |
(noun) a basic truth or law or assumption: "the principles of democracy" |
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Related Words: Tao, basic principle, basics, bedrock, dictate, fundamental principle, fundamentals, law, logic, natural law, pleasure principle, pleasure-pain principle, pleasure-unpleasure principle, reality principle |
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| 2. |
(noun) a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a mechanical system: "the principle of the conservation of mass"; "the principle of jet propulsion"; "the right-hand rule for inductive fields" |
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Synonyms: rule |
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Related Words: law, law of nature |
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| 3. |
(noun) 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" |
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Synonyms: rule |
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Related Words: generality, generalization, pillar |
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| 4. |
(noun) a rule or standard especially of good behavior: "a man of principle"; "he will not violate his principles" |
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Related Words: Hellenism, chivalry, ethic, judicial doctrine, judicial principle, legal principle, moral principle, scruple, value, value orientation, value-system |
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| 5. |
(noun) rule of personal conduct |
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Synonyms: precept |
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Related Words: caveat emptor, hypothetical imperative, moral principle, prescript, rule |
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| 6. |
(noun) an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature; "the principles of internal-combusiton engines" |
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Synonyms: rationale |
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Related Words: dialectics, explanation |
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