Principle
'prɪnsəpəl
Definitions
2 meaningsA fundamental truth, law, or assumption; a rule or standard, especially of good behavior.
'prɪnsəpəl
A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior, or reasoning.
The company operates on the principle of fair trade.
💡 Simply: It's a basic rule or idea that guides how you act or think. Like, the principle of sharing means you give some of your toys to others.
👶 For kids: A rule that tells you how to act, like always being nice!
More Examples
She is a woman of strong principles.
The principles of physics govern the universe.
How It's Used
"The principle of honesty is fundamental to their code of conduct."
"The judge based his ruling on legal principles established in previous cases."
"The principle of gravity explains why objects fall to the ground."
The capital sum of a loan, investment, or other source of income.
'prɪnsəpəl
A fundamental source or basis of something.
The bank charged interest on the principal.
💡 Simply: It's the original amount of money you borrow or invest, before you add any interest or earnings. Like the amount of money you first put into your piggy bank.
👶 For kids: The main money, like the amount of money you first put in your piggy bank.
More Examples
The principal amount of the loan was $10,000.
The principal is the original sum of money borrowed.
How It's Used
"The interest is calculated on the unpaid principal of the loan."
"The principal is the amount of money borrowed."
From Middle English *principle*, from Old French *principe* (c. 12th century), from Latin *principium* ('beginning, origin, foundation, first element'), from *princeps* ('first, chief, leader'), from *primus* ('first') + *capio* ('take').
The word 'principle' has been used since the 13th century to denote a fundamental truth or a basis of action. It's usage evolved from the Latin root which emphasized the starting point or origin of something.
Memory tip
Think of a *principal* building block or foundation for your thoughts, actions or beliefs.
Word Origin
"beginning, foundation, first element"