easy
Fairness is a principle that guides our class.
What does Principle mean?
A principle is a basic rule, truth, or belief.
Dictionary definition
A basic rule, truth, or belief that explains how something works or guides how someone acts.
Example sentences
Principle in a sentence
easy
The lever works according to a simple scientific principle.
medium
Jay refused on principle because the plan conflicted with his beliefs.
hard
We agreed with the idea in principle but still needed to work out the details.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice principle in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Commonly confused words
Principal or principle?
Compare the meanings, then choose a word for each new sentence.
Principal
A school leader; also, most important.
In a sentence The principal welcomed the new pupils.
Principle
A basic rule, truth, or belief.
In a sentence Fairness is an important principle in our club.
Spot the difference Principal has several meanings, including a school leader and main. Principle means a rule or belief.
Which word fits?
Choose principal or principle for each blank. Say your answer, then check why it fits.
1Our school ___ spoke at the assembly.
Check answer 1
principal — The sentence names the school leader.
2Sharing fairly is a ___ we try to follow.
Check answer 2
principle — The sentence names a guiding belief, not a person.
Make it your ownTry the word in a sentence about your day.
Write a sentence with principleQuick practice
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Practice the meaning of Principle
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does principle most often name?
Principle is a noun for a basic rule, truth, or belief.
Practice 2
Choose the word that completes the sentence: “Honesty is a guiding ___.”
A guiding belief or rule is a principle.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses principle correctly?
Here principle names a basic rule that explains or guides the design.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Principle
Voice settings
Sounds like
prin · suh · puhl · strongest beat: prin
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordPrinciple.
Partnoun.
MeaningPrinciple means A principle is a basic rule, truth, or belief.
ExampleExample: Fairness is a principle that guides our class.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- prin · suh · puhl
- Strongest beat
- prin
- Ending
- puhl
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on prin.
Your turn
Say Principle
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Synonyms
Words like Principle
Antonym review
Does Principle have an opposite?
Principle can mean a moral standard, a basic truth, or an operating rule, so words such as exception and dishonesty oppose only selected contexts rather than the word as a whole.
Synonym practice
Want to practice principle synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The math axiom helped us prove the pattern," then compare close word choices. Practice principle synonyms.
Word family
Principle word family
Base word
principle
noun
principles
More than one basic rule, truth, or belief.
adjective
principled
Acting according to strong moral standards.
adjective
unprincipled
Not guided by honest or moral principles.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Principle
Hint for students
Principle ends like rule. It is always a noun for a rule, truth, or belief.
Common mix-up
Principle is not a school leader or a word meaning main. Those meanings belong to principal, which sounds the same.
Try it in class or at home
Label examples as moral principle, scientific principle, on principle, or in principle. Then explain how the phrase in principle can show agreement with a general idea before practical details are settled.
Teacher prompt
Compare “the principal goal” with “the principle of fairness.” Why is only one of the two words able to describe a goal?
Word Wheel
Practice with the School Words Wheel
This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Principle and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice PRINCIPLE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
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Sentence Builder
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Context Clue Challenge
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Synonym Search
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