Principle



GRE 考研

解释

GRE 红宝书

• n. 原则, 原理; 道德, 准则
• ［英］ n. 原则, 原理 ( a truth or belief that is accepted as a base for reasoning or action) ; 道德, 准则 ( a moral rule or set of ideas which guides behavior)

Webster Collegiate

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 principles 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
• 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.

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