transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl, -sə-bəl ]
noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French principe, principle, from Old French, from Latin principium beginning, from princip-, princeps initiator — more at prince
Date: 14th century
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 principle
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 principle s of human nature as greed and curiosity
b. : an ingredient (as a chemical) that exhibits or imparts a characteristic quality
4. capitalized , Christian Science : a divine principle : god
•
- 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.