[prin.ci.ple] n [ME, modif. of MF principe, fr. L principium beginning, fr. princip-, princeps initiator--more at prince] (14c) 1 a: a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption b (1): a rule or code of conduct (2): habitual devotion to right principles "a man of ~" c: the laws or facts of nature underlying the working of an artificial device
2: a primary source: origin 3 a: an underlying faculty or endowment "such ~s of human nature as greed and curiosity" b: an ingredient (as a chemical) that exhibits or imparts a characteristic quality
4. cap, Christian Science: a divine principle: god -- in principle : with respect to fundamentals "prepared to accept the proposition in principle" usage Although nearly every handbook and many dictionaries warn against confusing principle and principal, many people still do. Principle is only a noun; principal is both adjective and noun. If you are unsure which noun you want, read the definitions in this dictionary.