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principle

B2 noun #1,200 最常用 16分钟阅读

principle

前1,200

At the A1 level, 'principle' is a very difficult word. You can think of it as a 'big rule.' Just like you have rules at school or rules in a game, a principle is a rule that is very important. For example, 'Be kind to others' is a good principle. You don't need to use this word often at A1, but you might see it in books. It usually means a rule that helps you be a good person. It is a noun, which means it is a thing. You can have one principle or many principles. Remember, it is like a foundation for a house; it is the most important part that holds everything else up. If you have good principles, you are a good person.

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'principle' to talk about basic rules of behavior or simple ideas in science. A principle is a fundamental truth. This means it is a fact that other ideas are built on. For example, 'The principle of honesty' means the rule that you should always tell the truth. You might also hear about 'the principles of a game,' which are the most important rules. It is different from a simple rule because a principle is more general. A rule might be 'Don't run in the hall,' but the principle is 'Be safe.' You can use the phrase 'in principle' to say you agree with an idea, even if you don't know all the details yet.

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'principle' refers to a fundamental law or a moral standard. It is often used in professional and academic settings. You might talk about the 'principles of democracy' or the 'principles of science.' These are the basic ideas that make these systems work. You should also know the difference between 'in principle' and 'on principle.' 'In principle' means you agree with the theory (e.g., 'In principle, I like the idea of a four-day work week'). 'On principle' means you do something because of your beliefs (e.g., 'I refuse to lie on principle'). This word helps you explain the reasons behind your actions and beliefs more clearly.

At the B2 level, 'principle' is an essential word for discussing abstract concepts, ethics, and complex systems. You should be able to use it to describe the foundational laws of various disciplines, such as the 'principles of economics' or 'architectural principles.' You should also understand its role in describing personal integrity. A 'principled person' is someone who has strong moral values and sticks to them. You should be careful not to confuse 'principle' with 'principal.' At this level, you are expected to use collocations like 'guiding principle,' 'fundamental principle,' and 'matter of principle' correctly in both writing and speaking to show a sophisticated grasp of the language.

At the C1 level, you should use 'principle' with precision in formal, academic, and legal contexts. You should understand how principles function as the bedrock of theoretical frameworks. For example, you might analyze the 'principles of jurisprudence' or the 'first principles' of a philosophical argument. You should be able to discuss how different principles can sometimes conflict with each other, such as the principle of free speech versus the principle of public safety. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's weight and its ability to elevate a discussion from specific instances to universal laws. You should also be familiar with more specialized synonyms like 'tenet,' 'precept,' and 'axiom.'

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'principle' should be complete, allowing you to use it in the most complex and nuanced ways. You can discuss the ontological and epistemological principles that undergird entire worldviews. You should be able to use the word to critique systems of thought, identifying where their core principles might be flawed or inconsistent. You will use 'principle' in highly formal writing, such as legal briefs, scientific papers, or philosophical treatises, where the exact meaning of every term is critical. You should also be able to use it rhetorically to build powerful arguments, appealing to universal principles to persuade your audience. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for profound intellectual inquiry.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

principle 30秒了解

A principle is a fundamental truth or a basic law that serves as the foundation for beliefs, behaviors, or scientific reasoning.
It can refer to a personal moral code, such as honesty, which guides how an individual chooses to act in various situations.
Commonly used in phrases like 'in principle' (theoretically) and 'on principle' (due to moral beliefs), it is essential for formal communication.
Often confused with 'principal' (main/school head), 'principle' strictly refers to rules and laws that provide structure and consistency.

The word principle is a multifaceted noun that serves as a cornerstone for understanding human behavior, scientific laws, and organizational structures. At its most fundamental level, a principle is a primary source or origin of something, but in modern usage, it almost always refers to a fundamental truth or a foundational law. When you hear someone talk about a principle, they are usually referring to a rule that does not change easily. It is the 'why' behind the 'how.' For example, in the physical sciences, principles are the laws that govern the universe, such as the principle of conservation of energy. These are not mere suggestions; they are absolute truths that scientists use to build complex theories. In the realm of human ethics, a principle is a personal code of conduct. It is the internal compass that guides a person's decisions, especially when faced with difficult choices. If you refuse to cheat on a test even when you know you won't get caught, you are acting on the principle of honesty. This distinction between scientific laws and moral codes is crucial for mastering the word's nuances.

Fundamental Truth: A basic idea or rule that explains or controls how something happens or works. For instance, the principles of democracy include equality and freedom of speech.

The legal system is built on the principle that every person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Beyond science and ethics, principles are vital in professional and creative fields. In architecture, the principles of design—such as balance, rhythm, and emphasis—dictate how a building is structured to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. In economics, the principle of supply and demand explains the fluctuations in market prices. When people use this word, they are often appealing to a higher authority or a more stable foundation than mere opinion. To say 'It is a matter of principle' is to say that the issue is not about convenience or personal gain, but about adhering to a core value that defines one's character or the integrity of a system. This usage is common in debates, legal proceedings, and personal manifestos. It elevates the conversation from the specific to the universal, suggesting that the rule being applied should apply to everyone in similar circumstances.

Moral Standard: A rule of conduct that a person follows because they believe it is the right thing to do. This is often internal and self-imposed rather than legally mandated.

She resigned from her position on principle after the company decided to ignore environmental regulations.

In summary, the word principle is used whenever there is a need to describe the underlying logic or the ethical framework of a situation. It is a word that carries weight and implies a level of seriousness and consistency. Whether you are discussing the principles of physics, the principles of a political party, or your own personal principles, you are talking about the bedrock upon which everything else is built. It is a word for thinkers, leaders, and anyone who values the 'why' as much as the 'what.' By using 'principle' correctly, you demonstrate an understanding of the systemic and moral foundations that govern our world.

Scientific Law: A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspect of the world. For example, the principle of relativity changed our understanding of time.

Understanding the basic principles of chemistry is essential for anyone wishing to pursue a career in pharmacology or medicine.

The principle of non-violence was central to the civil rights movements led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

Using the word principle correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the specific prepositions that often accompany it. One of the most common ways to use it is in the phrase 'in principle.' This phrase is used to indicate that while an idea or plan is acceptable in theory, there may be practical difficulties or specific details that still need to be addressed. For example, a manager might say, 'I agree with your proposal in principle, but we need to find the budget to fund it.' This shows a high level of nuance in communication, allowing the speaker to support an idea without committing to every single detail immediately. Another frequent construction is 'on principle.' This is used when someone does or refuses to do something because of their moral beliefs. If someone says, 'I refuse to buy products from that company on principle,' they are stating that their ethical standards prevent them from supporting a business they find objectionable.

In Principle: Used to say that something is possible or agreed upon in a general way, even if the details are not yet settled. It focuses on the theoretical rather than the practical.

The two countries have reached an agreement in principle to reduce carbon emissions by thirty percent over the next decade.

Another important grammatical aspect of 'principle' is its pluralization. When we talk about a set of rules or a system of beliefs, we use 'principles.' This is common in academic and professional contexts. You might study the 'principles of accounting' or the 'principles of marketing.' In these cases, the word refers to the collection of fundamental rules that one must master to be proficient in that field. It is also used to describe a person's character. If you say someone is 'a man of principle' or 'a woman of principle,' you are paying them a high compliment, suggesting that they are honest, consistent, and driven by a strong moral code. This usage is very common in literature and formal speeches, where character and integrity are central themes. It emphasizes that the person's actions are not random but are rooted in a stable set of values.

On Principle: Used to indicate that an action is taken because of a fixed belief or moral rule, rather than for practical reasons or personal convenience.

He doesn't eat meat on principle, as he believes it is unethical to raise animals for food in industrial conditions.

Furthermore, 'principle' can be modified by various adjectives to specify the type of rule being discussed. 'Basic principles,' 'fundamental principles,' 'guiding principles,' and 'moral principles' are all common collocations. These modifiers help to clarify whether the principle is a simple rule of thumb or a deep-seated ethical law. In scientific writing, you will often see 'first principles,' which refers to the most basic, foundational propositions that cannot be deduced from any other proposition. Thinking from 'first principles' is a popular concept in modern entrepreneurship and problem-solving, popularized by figures like Elon Musk. It involves breaking a problem down into its most basic elements and rebuilding it from the ground up, rather than relying on analogy or tradition. This demonstrates how the word 'principle' is not just a static noun but a tool for rigorous thought and innovation.

A Matter of Principle: A situation where the most important factor is a moral rule or belief, even if the practical consequences are negative or inconvenient.

For the whistleblower, exposing the corruption was a matter of principle that outweighed the risk to his career.

The principles of effective communication include clarity, conciseness, and empathy for the audience.

The word principle is ubiquitous in formal and semi-formal English, making it a staple of academic, legal, and professional discourse. If you are a student, you will encounter it in almost every textbook. In a physics class, you'll learn about the 'Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle'; in an economics lecture, you'll discuss the 'principle of comparative advantage'; and in a philosophy seminar, you'll debate the 'principle of utility.' This word is the language of academia because it allows scholars to categorize and discuss the foundational laws that govern their respective fields. It provides a common vocabulary for describing the rules that remain constant across different experiments or case studies. Without the concept of principles, academic study would be a mere collection of disconnected facts rather than a cohesive system of knowledge.

Legal Context: In law, principles are the underlying values that guide the interpretation of statutes and the development of common law. They ensure that the law is applied fairly and consistently.

The judge argued that the new law violated the fundamental principle of due process, which protects citizens from arbitrary government action.

In the corporate world, 'principle' is often heard in the context of ethics and leadership. Many companies have a 'Code of Principles' or 'Core Principles' that they expect employees to follow. During a job interview, you might be asked, 'What are the principles that guide your work?' This is an invitation to talk about your work ethic, your integrity, and your professional standards. In this context, the word is used to assess whether a candidate's personal values align with the company's culture. Similarly, in the news, you will hear politicians and activists talk about 'standing on principle.' This is a powerful rhetorical device used to suggest that their position is based on a deep-seated belief rather than political expediency. It is a way of claiming the moral high ground in a public debate.

Corporate Values: Principles in business are the shared values that define an organization's identity and guide its strategic decision-making process.

One of our company's founding principles is that the customer's needs must always come before short-term profits.

You will also hear 'principle' in more casual but still serious conversations. When a friend says, 'I can't lend you the money, not because I don't have it, but as a matter of principle,' they are explaining that their refusal is based on a rule they have for themselves (perhaps they don't believe in lending money to friends to avoid straining the relationship). In this way, the word helps to soften a refusal by shifting the focus from the individual person to a general rule. It is also common in the world of art and design. A photographer might talk about the 'principles of composition,' such as the rule of thirds, which are the fundamental guidelines for creating a visually appealing image. In every one of these contexts—academic, legal, professional, and personal—the word 'principle' serves to identify the essential rules that provide structure and meaning to our activities.

Artistic Guidelines: In creative fields, principles are the basic rules that help artists and designers organize elements to create a desired effect or message.

Learning the principles of perspective is the first step for any aspiring painter who wants to create realistic landscapes.

The principle of freedom of the press is a vital component of any healthy and functioning democracy.

The most frequent and notorious mistake involving the word principle is confusing it with its homophone, principal. Because they sound identical in speech, writers often swap them, leading to errors that can undermine the professionalism of their writing. A 'principle' (ending in -le) is a rule, law, or belief. A 'principal' (ending in -al) can be an adjective meaning 'main' or 'most important,' or a noun referring to the head of a school or a sum of money in an investment. For example, you would say 'the principal reason' (main reason) but 'a matter of principle' (a matter of rule). Remembering the 'pal' mnemonic—the school principal is your 'pal'—is the most effective way to keep these two straight. Another common error is using 'principle' when 'rule' or 'law' might be more specific, although 'principle' is often used as a more formal synonym for these terms.

Principle vs. Principal: Principle = A rule or belief. Principal = The main thing, a school leader, or an original sum of money. Never use 'principal' to describe a moral code.

Incorrect: He is a man of high principal.
Correct: He is a man of high principle.

Another subtle mistake involves the misuse of the phrases 'in principle' and 'on principle.' As discussed earlier, 'in principle' refers to theoretical agreement, while 'on principle' refers to moral conviction. Using one when you mean the other can change the meaning of your sentence significantly. If you say, 'I agree with you on principle,' you are saying you agree because of your moral beliefs. If you say, 'I agree with you in principle,' you are saying you agree with the general idea but might have practical concerns. Misusing these can lead to confusion in negotiations or ethical discussions. Furthermore, some learners try to use 'principle' as a verb, saying things like 'The system is principled on fairness.' While 'principled' is an adjective, it cannot be used as a direct verb. The correct phrasing would be 'The system is based on the principle of fairness' or 'The system is a principled one.'

In Principle vs. On Principle: Confusing these two can lead to misunderstandings about whether your agreement is based on theory (in principle) or morality (on principle).

Incorrect: I won't do it in principle because it's wrong.
Correct: I won't do it on principle because it's wrong.

Finally, avoid the mistake of using 'principle' to mean 'the start' or 'the beginning' in modern English. While the word comes from the Latin 'principium' meaning 'beginning,' this meaning is now obsolete in general usage. If you want to talk about the start of something, use 'beginning,' 'origin,' or 'commencement.' Using 'principle' in this way will make your writing sound archaic or confusing. Also, be careful with the adjective 'principled.' It should only be used to describe people or actions that are guided by strong moral rules. You wouldn't describe a scientific theory as 'principled'; instead, you would say it is 'based on sound principles.' Keeping these distinctions in mind will help you use this powerful word with precision and clarity, avoiding the pitfalls that trip up even native speakers.

Principled (Adjective): Only use this to describe people or behaviors that show strong moral integrity. It is not a synonym for 'logical' or 'scientific.'

The CEO's principled stance on labor rights earned her the respect of the entire industry.

It is a fundamental principle of justice that no one should be a judge in their own cause.

While principle is a versatile word, there are several synonyms and alternatives that can be used depending on the context. Understanding these can help you vary your vocabulary and be more precise in your communication. For example, 'rule' is a common alternative, but it is often less formal and more specific. A 'rule' is a directive that must be followed, whereas a 'principle' is a more general truth that guides behavior. You follow the 'rules' of a game, but you live by the 'principles' of honesty. Another close synonym is 'law.' In science, 'law' and 'principle' are often used interchangeably (e.g., Newton's Laws of Motion vs. the Principle of Relativity), but in a legal context, a 'law' is a specific statute enacted by a government, while a 'principle' is an underlying value that informs the law.

Principle vs. Rule: A rule is a specific instruction (e.g., 'No smoking'). A principle is a broad guiding value (e.g., 'Respect for public health'). Principles are the foundation for rules.

While the rules of the office are strict, the underlying principle is to ensure a productive and respectful environment for everyone.

In philosophy and formal logic, words like 'tenet,' 'precept,' and 'axiom' are often used. A 'tenet' is a principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy (e.g., 'the tenets of Buddhism'). A 'precept' is a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought (e.g., 'the moral precepts of the community'). An 'axiom' is a statement or proposition which is regarded as being self-evidently true. These words are more specialized than 'principle' and should be used when you want to sound more academic or precise. For instance, you might say, 'The central tenet of his philosophy is that all life is sacred.' This sounds more authoritative than simply saying 'His main principle is...' Using these alternatives correctly shows a deep mastery of the English language and its various registers.

Tenet: A principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy. It implies a shared belief among a group.

One of the core tenets of modern liberalism is the protection of individual rights and freedoms.

Finally, when discussing personal character, you might use 'values' or 'ethics.' 'Values' are the things that you believe are important in the way you live and work (e.g., 'family values'). 'Ethics' are moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity (e.g., 'medical ethics'). While 'principle' can be used in these contexts, 'values' and 'ethics' are often more common when talking about personal or professional standards. For example, 'His values align with our company's principles.' This sentence uses both words to show a connection between personal beliefs and organizational rules. By understanding the subtle differences between these similar words, you can choose the one that best fits your meaning and the tone of your writing or speech.

Axiom: A statement or proposition which is regarded as being self-evidently true. It is the starting point for further reasoning or arguments.

In Euclidean geometry, the axiom that a straight line can be drawn between any two points is fundamental.

The principles of sustainable development aim to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future.

How Formal Is It?

正式

中性

非正式

Child friendly

俚语

趣味小知识

The Latin root 'primus' (meaning 'first') is also found in words like 'prime', 'primary', and 'primitive', all of which share the core concept of being 'first' or 'fundamental'.

发音指南

UK /ˈprɪn.sə.pəl/

US /ˈprɪn.sə.pəl/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: PRIN-ci-ple.

押韵词

principal triple ripple nipple cripple tipple stipple simple (near rhyme)

常见错误

Confusing the pronunciation with 'principal' (though they are homophones, the error is in spelling).
Over-pronouncing the 'i' in the second syllable; it should be a neutral schwa sound.
Stressing the second or third syllable.
Pronouncing the 'c' as a 'k' sound (it should be an 's' sound).
Failing to make the final 'l' syllabic.

难度评级

阅读 4/5

Common in academic texts and news, requiring a good grasp of abstract concepts.

写作 5/5

Challenging due to the homophone 'principal' and the specific prepositional phrases.

口语 3/5

Used frequently in debates and formal discussions, but less so in daily casual talk.

听力 4/5

Hard to distinguish from 'principal' by sound alone; context is key.

接下来学什么

前置知识

rule law basic truth belief

接下来学习

tenet axiom integrity ethics framework

高级

jurisprudence ontology utilitarianism dogma precept

需要掌握的语法

Noun Countability

He has many principles (countable) vs. He acts on principle (abstract/uncountable usage).

Prepositional Collocations

Agree 'in' principle vs. Act 'on' principle.

Adjective Derivation

A 'principled' stance (adding -ed to the noun).

Homophone Distinction

Principle (rule) vs. Principal (main/head).

Pluralization for Systems

The 'principles' of economics (referring to a collective set).

按水平分级的例句

He has good principles.

Il a de bons principes.

Noun, plural.

Honesty is a basic principle.

L'honnêteté est un principe de base.

Singular noun with adjective.

We follow the principles of the school.

Nous suivons les principes de l'école.

Plural noun.

It is a simple principle.

C'est un principe simple.

Singular noun.

What is your main principle?

Quel est votre principe principal ?

Interrogative sentence.

They have many principles.

Ils ont beaucoup de principes.

Plural noun with 'many'.

A principle is like a rule.

Un principe est comme une règle.

Simile usage.

She lives by her principles.

Elle vit selon ses principes.

Prepositional phrase 'by her principles'.

In principle, I agree with you.

En principe, je suis d'accord avec vous.

Fixed phrase 'in principle'.

The principle of the game is easy.

Le principe du jeu est facile.

Singular noun as subject.

He acts on principle.

Il agit par principe.

Fixed phrase 'on principle'.

These are the principles of health.

Ce sont les principes de la santé.

Plural noun.

It's a matter of principle for me.

C'est une question de principe pour moi.

Idiomatic expression.

We need to learn the basic principles.

Nous devons apprendre les principes de base.

Plural noun with 'basic'.

The principle of fairness is important.

Le principe d'équité est important.

Singular noun with 'of'.

She has strong moral principles.

Elle a de solides principes moraux.

Plural noun with adjectives.

The principles of democracy include freedom.

Les principes de la démocratie incluent la liberté.

Plural noun in a political context.

I agree in principle, but we need more time.

Je suis d'accord sur le principe, mais nous avons besoin de plus de temps.

Contrastive sentence using 'in principle'.

He refused the bribe on principle.

Il a refusé le pot-de-vin par principe.

Usage of 'on principle' for moral action.

The scientific principle was proven right.

Le principe scientifique s'est avéré juste.

Singular noun in a scientific context.

What are the guiding principles of your life?

Quels sont les principes directeurs de votre vie ?

Collocation 'guiding principles'.

The principle of supply and demand is key.

Le principe de l'offre et de la demande est essentiel.

Economic terminology.

She is a woman of high principle.

C'est une femme de grands principes.

Descriptive phrase for character.

They established the principles of the new law.

Ils ont établi les principes de la nouvelle loi.

Plural noun as object.

The fundamental principles of physics are universal.

Les principes fondamentaux de la physique sont universels.

Plural noun with 'fundamental'.

It is a matter of principle to tell the truth.

C'est une question de principe de dire la vérité.

Infinitive phrase following 'matter of principle'.

The design follows the principles of minimalism.

Le design suit les principes du minimalisme.

Plural noun in an artistic context.

In principle, the plan should work perfectly.

En principe, le plan devrait fonctionner parfaitement.

Usage of 'in principle' for theoretical success.

He is too principled to accept such an offer.

Il est trop intègre pour accepter une telle offre.

Adjective 'principled' derived from the noun.

The principles of accounting must be followed.

Les principes de la comptabilité doivent être respectés.

Professional terminology.

The movement was based on the principle of non-violence.

Le mouvement était basé sur le principe de la non-violence.

Passive voice construction.

She resigned on principle after the scandal.

Elle a démissionné par principe après le scandale.

Usage of 'on principle' in a professional context.

The principle of subsidiarity is central to the EU.

Le principe de subsidiarité est central pour l'UE.

Specialized political terminology.

We must return to first principles to solve this.

Nous devons revenir aux principes de base pour résoudre cela.

Idiomatic 'first principles'.

The argument is flawed in its very principles.

L'argument est vicié dans ses principes mêmes.

Emphasis using 'very'.

The legal principle of 'stare decisis' ensures stability.

Le principe juridique du « stare decisis » assure la stabilité.

Latin legal term associated with 'principle'.

He lacks the moral principles required for leadership.

Il n'a pas les principes moraux requis pour diriger.

Negative construction.

The principles of sustainable architecture are evolving.

Les principes de l'architecture durable évoluent.

Present continuous with plural noun.

In principle, the technology is feasible, but costly.

En principe, la technologie est réalisable, mais coûteuse.

Nuanced agreement using 'in principle'.

The charter outlines the principles of human rights.

La charte énonce les principes des droits de l'homme.

Formal verb 'outlines'.

The ontological principles of the universe remain elusive.

Les principes ontologiques de l'univers restent insaisissables.

Advanced philosophical adjective 'ontological'.

The policy was a flagrant violation of democratic principles.

La politique était une violation flagrante des principes démocratiques.

Strong descriptive adjective 'flagrant'.

He articulated the principles of his aesthetic theory.

Il a articulé les principes de sa théorie esthétique.

Formal verb 'articulated'.

The principle of utility is the basis of utilitarianism.

Le principe d'utilité est la base de l'utilitarisme.

Philosophical terminology.

They are unprincipled opportunists seeking power.

Ce sont des opportunistes sans principes qui cherchent le pouvoir.

Negative adjective 'unprincipled'.

The treaty adheres to the principles of international law.

Le traité adhère aux principes du droit international.

Formal verb 'adheres to'.

The fundamental principles of logic are non-negotiable.

Les principes fondamentaux de la logique ne sont pas négociables.

Strong adjective 'non-negotiable'.

In principle, the two theories are irreconcilable.

En principe, les deux théories sont irréconciliables.

Advanced adjective 'irreconcilable'.

近义词

rule tenet doctrine axiom standard creed

反义词

exception chaos arbitrariness

常见搭配

fundamental principle

guiding principle

moral principle

scientific principle

basic principle

legal principle

general principle

underlying principle

core principle

operating principle

常用短语

in principle

on principle

a matter of principle

first principles

man/woman of principle

stand on principle

violation of principle

adhere to principles

compromise one's principles

established principles

容易混淆的词

principle vs principal

A homophone. 'Principal' means main or a school head; 'principle' means a rule.

principle vs rule

A rule is specific; a principle is a broader, foundational truth.

principle vs belief

A belief is something you think is true; a principle is a rule you live by.

习语与表达

"as a matter of principle"

Doing something because you believe it is the right thing to do, regardless of the consequences.

He resigned as a matter of principle.

formal

"high principles"

Very strong and noble moral standards.

She was raised with high principles and a strong work ethic.

neutral

"lack of principle"

Having no moral standards or being willing to do anything for gain.

His lack of principle made him a dangerous opponent.

formal

"stick to one's principles"

To refuse to change one's beliefs or rules, even under pressure.

You have to stick to your principles if you want people to respect you.

neutral

"betray one's principles"

To act in a way that goes against what one claims to believe.

By taking the money, he betrayed his principles.

neutral

"founding principles"

The original rules or values upon which an organization or nation was built.

The founding principles of the nation are liberty and justice.

formal

"principles over profit"

The idea that moral values are more important than making money.

The company slogan was 'principles over profit'.

business

"against my principles"

Something that goes against a person's personal moral code.

It's against my principles to borrow money from family.

informal

"universal principles"

Rules or truths that apply to everyone, everywhere.

Human rights are based on universal principles of dignity.

academic

"sound principles"

Rules or ideas that are logical, reliable, and effective.

The bridge was built on sound engineering principles.

technical

容易混淆

principle vs principal

They sound exactly the same.

Principal is an adjective (main) or a person (school head). Principle is always a noun (rule).

The principal (main) principle (rule) of the school is respect.

principle vs precept

Both refer to rules of conduct.

Precept is more formal and often religious or moral. Principle is more general and can be scientific.

The moral precepts of the church are based on the principle of love.

principle vs tenet

Both mean a fundamental belief.

Tenet is usually used for a group's shared beliefs (religion/politics). Principle can be personal or scientific.

A core tenet of the party is the principle of free trade.

principle vs axiom

Both are foundational truths.

Axiom is used in math/logic for something self-evident. Principle is used for laws of nature or behavior.

It is an axiom of geometry, while gravity is a principle of physics.

principle vs doctrine

Both involve sets of rules.

Doctrine is a formal set of teachings. Principle is a single fundamental truth.

The military doctrine is built on several key principles.

句型

The principle of [noun] is [adjective].

The principle of the game is fun.

I agree with you in principle.

I agree with you in principle, but we need a plan.

He did it on principle.

He refused the gift on principle.

It is a matter of principle.

For her, it was a matter of principle.

Based on the principle of [noun].

The law is based on the principle of equality.

To return to first principles.

We need to return to first principles to understand the error.

A flagrant violation of [adjective] principles.

This is a flagrant violation of ethical principles.

The [adjective] principles governing [noun].

The ontological principles governing the universe are complex.

词族

名词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

High, especially in academic and professional writing.

常见错误

Using 'principal' when you mean 'principle'. → It is a matter of principle.
Principal is a person or an adjective; principle is a rule.
Saying 'I agree on principle' when you mean 'theoretically'. → I agree in principle.
'In principle' is for theory; 'on principle' is for moral conviction.
Using 'principle' as a verb. → The theory is based on the principle of...
Principle is only a noun. You cannot 'principle' something.
Confusing 'principled' with 'principal'. → She is a principled leader.
'Principled' means having high standards. 'Principal' means main.
Using 'principles' to mean 'the beginning'. → At the beginning of the project...
While it comes from a root meaning 'beginning', this usage is obsolete in modern English.

小贴士

The Rule Mnemonic

Always remember: principLE = ruLE. This is the easiest way to avoid the 'principal' mistake.

Preposition Power

Learn 'in principle' and 'on principle' as fixed phrases. They are rarely interchangeable.

Sound Authoritative

Using 'principle' instead of 'rule' in a presentation makes your points sound more foundational and well-researched.

Scientific Principles

When reading science, look for 'principles' as the core laws that explain how experiments work.

Principled vs. Unprincipled

Use these adjectives to describe people's character. They are much stronger than just saying 'good' or 'bad'.

Matter of Principle

Use this phrase when you want to emphasize that you are doing something because it's right, not because it's easy.

First Principles

In problem-solving, 'first principles' is a powerful concept. Use it to show you are a deep thinker.

Corporate Values

When interviewing, mention your 'guiding principles' to show you have a strong professional identity.

Context Clues

If you hear the word at the end of a sentence like 'It's the principle,' it's always spelled with 'le'.

In Principle Agreement

Use 'in principle' to be polite but cautious in business negotiations.

记住它

记忆技巧

Remember that a principLE is a ruLE. Both words end in 'le'. This helps distinguish it from 'principal', who is your 'pal'.

视觉联想

Imagine a large stone foundation (the principle) supporting a massive building (the system of belief or the scientific theory). Without the foundation, the building collapses.

Word Web

Rule Law Belief Foundation Integrity Ethics Truth System

挑战

Try to write three sentences: one using 'in principle', one using 'on principle', and one using 'matter of principle'. Ensure the meanings are distinct.

词源

The word 'principle' originates from the Old French word 'principe', which was derived from the Latin 'principium'. The Latin term means 'beginning', 'origin', or 'first part'.

原始含义： In its earliest forms, it referred to the source or the starting point of something, which evolved into the idea of a 'fundamental truth' that serves as a starting point for reasoning.

It belongs to the Indo-European language family, specifically the Italic branch, leading into the Romance languages and eventually into English via Norman French.

文化背景

Be careful when discussing 'moral principles' in multicultural settings, as what is considered a 'fundamental principle' can differ between religions and cultures.

In the UK and US, 'it's the principle of the thing' is a common phrase used to justify an action that might seem petty or unnecessary but is done to defend a rule.

The 'Principia Mathematica' by Isaac Newton, which laid out the principles of classical mechanics. The 'Ten Commandments' are often referred to as a set of moral principles. The 'Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle' in quantum mechanics.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Scientific Discussion

The principle of...
Scientific principles
First principles
Experimental principles

Ethical Debate

On principle
Moral principles
A matter of principle
Compromise one's principles

Business Strategy

Guiding principles
Core principles
Operating principles
Business principles

Legal Proceedings

Legal principles
Fundamental principles
Principles of justice
Violation of principle

Art and Design

Principles of design
Aesthetic principles
Principles of composition
Basic principles of art

对话开场白

"What is the one moral principle you would never compromise on?"

"Do you think it's possible to agree with a plan in principle but still vote against it?"

"What are the guiding principles that you look for in a good leader?"

"In your opinion, what is the most important principle of a healthy relationship?"

"Have you ever done something purely on principle, even if it was inconvenient?"

日记主题

Reflect on a time when you had to stand on principle. What was the situation and how did it make you feel?

Write about the core principles of your favorite hobby or profession. How do they guide your practice?

Do you believe that universal moral principles exist, or are they different for every culture?

Describe a person you know who is 'principled.' What specific actions show their integrity?

How do the principles of your childhood home differ from the principles you live by now?

常见问题

10 个问题

Yes, 'principle' is always a noun. If you need an adjective, you use 'principled' or 'principal' (though 'principal' has a different meaning). You cannot use 'principle' as a verb.

'In principle' means you agree with the general idea or theory (e.g., 'In principle, I support the tax cut'). 'On principle' means you do something because of your moral beliefs (e.g., 'I won't lie on principle').

Use the 'rule' mnemonic: A principLE is a ruLE. Both end in 'le'. The school principal is your 'pal' (-al).

Yes, in science, 'law' and 'principle' are often used interchangeably to describe fundamental truths about the natural world, such as the 'Archimedes' principle'.

Yes, 'unprincipled' is a common adjective used to describe someone who lacks moral standards or integrity. It is usually a strong criticism.

'First principles' are the most basic, foundational assumptions that cannot be deduced from anything else. 'Thinking from first principles' means breaking a problem down to its basics.

Yes, 'principles' is the plural form. It is often used to describe a system of rules, like the 'principles of design' or a person's 'moral principles'.

It is generally considered neutral to formal. It is very common in academic, legal, and professional contexts, but can be used informally as well.

It refers to a situation where the moral importance of an action is more significant than the practical results or the cost involved.

Yes, both come from the Latin 'primus' (first). A prince is a 'first' person (leader), and a principle is a 'first' truth (foundation).