1. (

• principle ,
• rule ,

) a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct; "their principles of composition characterized all their works" ;

2. (

• principle ,

) a rule or standard especially of good behavior; "a man of principle"; "he will not violate his principles" ;

3. (

• principle

) a basic truth or law or assumption; "the principles of democracy" ;

4. (

• principle ,
• rule ,

) a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system; "the principle of the conservation of mass"; "the principle of jet propulsion"; "the right-hand rule for inductive fields" ;

5. (

• principle ,
• precept

) rule of personal conduct ;

6. (

• rationale ,
• principle ,

) (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature); "the rationale for capital punishment"; "the principles of internal-combustion engines" ;