principle
gb/pɹˈɪnsəpəl/ us/pɹˈɪnsəpəl/
B1
Inglese
~ 800
Accezioni
0 accezioni
Sostantivo
B1
entity
1
fundamental rule or belief
A basic truth or rule that guides how people think or act.
Schema d'uso:
[someone] acts on the principle that [clause]
Errore comune:
Learners sometimes confuse 'principle' with 'principal'; 'principal' means the head of a school or the main amount of money in finance.
Sinonimi
rule (Less formal and more specific to regulations or instructions.)
|
tenet (Often used in formal or academic contexts to mean a core belief.)
Contrari
exception (Refers to something that does not follow the general rule.)
Collocazioni
basic principle
|general principle
|moral principle
|guiding principle
|principle of fairness
Temi
ethics
|philosophy
|law
|education
|core_vocabulary
Esempi
- Honesty is an important principle in any relationship.
- The company operates on the principle that customers come first.
- Freedom of speech is a founding principle of the nation.
- She refused the offer on principle, believing it was unfair.
- The principle of equality is written into the law.
Esempi per chi studia
- We should follow the principle of kindness.
- The teacher explained the principle of sharing.
- It is a principle to tell the truth.
- He works by the principle of respect.
- The law is based on the principle of fairness.
Sostantivo
technical
B2
entity
2
scientific law or theory
A basic rule in science that explains how things happen in nature.
Schema d'uso:
principle of [scientific concept]
Sinonimi
law (In science, often refers to a proven and universal rule.)
|
theory (A scientific explanation supported by evidence, but not necessarily universally proven.)
Collocazioni
principle of relativity
|principle of gravity
|operating principle
|scientific principle
Temi
science
|technology
|education
Esempi
- The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed.
- Lasers work on the principle of light amplification by stimulated emission.
- This engine operates on the principle of internal combustion.
Esempi per chi studia
- The principle of gravity makes things fall down.
- A plane flies because of the principle of lift.
- Magnets work on the principle of attraction.
Sostantivo
formal
B2
entity
3
moral standard or value
A strong belief about what is right or wrong that guides how someone acts.
Schema d'uso:
[someone] refuses/acts on principle
Sinonimi
ethic (Often used in plural form to describe a set of moral values.)
|
value (A broad term for what someone believes is important in life.)
Contrari
compromise (In this context, giving up a moral standard for convenience or gain.)
Collocazioni
stand on principle
|act on principle
|matter of principle
Temi
ethics
|personal values
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Esempi
- She resigned on principle rather than accept the unethical changes.
- He would not lie, as a matter of principle.
- The judge stood by his principles despite public criticism.
Esempi per chi studia
- He did not take the money on principle.
- She spoke the truth on principle.
- I will not cheat, as a matter of principle.
Grammatica
Forma base
principle
IPA
GB/pɹˈɪnsəpəl/
US/pɹˈɪnsəpəl/
Sillabe e accento
prin - ciple (2 sillabe)
Stress on 1st syllable (prin)
Forme flesse
Noun
- Base: principle
- Plural: principle, principles
Famiglia di parole
Forms
principles
noun
Core family
principled
adjective
Related words
principal
adjective A2
principally
adverb B2
Negative and opposite forms
unprincipled
adjective
Espressioni
on principle
1/ˈɔn pɹˈɪnsəpəl/
fixed phrase
because of moral belief
Doing something because you believe it is right or wrong, not for practical reasons.
Esempi
- She refused to pay the fee on principle.
- On principle, he never accepts gifts from clients.
in principle
1/ˈɪn pɹˈɪnsəpəl/
fixed phrase
generally but not fully agreed
Agreeing with an idea in general, but not with all its details or how it is done.
Esempi
- I agree with the proposal in principle, but we need to discuss the details.
- In principle, everyone supports free education, but funding is an issue.
in principle
2/ˈɪn pɹˈɪnsəpəl/
fixed phrase
generally true according to rules
True according to basic rules or ideas, even if there are problems in real situations.
Esempi
- In principle, I agree with the new policy, but I worry about the cost.
- In principle, the club is open to everyone.
- In principle, students can retake the exam, but they need special permission.