principle meaning

principle means 'a basic rule or belief that guides actions or decisions'.

principle :

rule, belief

noun

▪ Honesty is a key principle.

▪ Honesty is an important rule.

▪ The principle of equality is vital.

▪ The rule of equality is very important.

paraphrasing

▪ standard – rule

▪ guideline – belief

▪ tenet – belief

▪ doctrine – belief

principle

Pronunciation

principle [ˈprɪn.sə.pəl]

The stress is on 'prin' and sounds like 'prin-suh-pul'.

Common phrases and grammar about principle

principle - Common meaning

noun
rule, belief

Part of Speech Changes for "principle"

▪ principled (adjective) – having strong rules or beliefs

Common Expressions with "principle"

▪ basic principle – fundamental rule

▪ guiding principle – leading rule

▪ moral principle – ethical rule

▪ core principle – central rule

Important examples of principle in TOEIC

Vocabulary examples from the TOEIC test

In TOEIC vocabulary questions, principle is often used to refer to fundamental rules or beliefs.

▪The principle of fairness guides us.
▪The rule of fairness leads us.

Example of a confusing word: principal (main or head)

▪The principal of fairness guides us.
▪The main element of fairness guides us.
"Principle" is a noun meaning "a fundamental truth or proposition serving as the foundation for belief or action." It is correctly used in the sentence "The principle of fairness guides us," indicating a guiding rule or belief. "Principal," however, can mean "main" as an adjective or refer to a person with the highest authority in an organization, like a school principal. Using "The principal of fairness" is incorrect here because it suggests a person or the main aspect, which doesn't fit the context of a guiding rule. Therefore, "principle" is the correct choice.

Grammar examples from the TOEIC test

Principle is used as a noun in TOEIC grammar questions, often paired with adjectives like 'basic' or 'moral'.

▪They follow the basic principles.
▪They follow the fundamental rules.

principle

Idioms and fixed expressions in TOEIC

principle of operation

'how something works', used in technical contexts.

▪The principle of operation is simple.
▪How it works is simple.

in principle

means 'in theory', used when something is agreed in general but not yet practiced.

▪They agreed in principle.
▪They agreed in theory.

Differences between similar words and principle

principle

,

rule

differences

Principle is a fundamental belief or rule, while rule is a specific guideline or regulation.

principle
▪The principle of honesty is important.
▪The belief in honesty is important.
rule
▪Follow the school rules.
▪Follow the school guidelines.

principle

,

belief

differences

Principle is a guiding rule or belief, while belief is a personal conviction or faith.

principle
▪The principle of equality guides us.
▪She has a strong faith in justice.
belief
▪She has a strong belief in justice.
▪She has a strong faith in justice.

Words with the same origin as principle

The origin of principle

principle comes from the Latin 'principium', meaning 'beginning' or 'foundation', which evolved into a guiding rule or belief.

Word structure

It has the root 'princip' (first, chief), and suffix 'le' (noun), meaning 'chief rule'.

Words with the same origin

The word's root is unclear or difficult to confirm.

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