Principle Meaning
Principle Definition & Usage
A fundamental truth, rule, or law that guides behavior, thought, or reasoning.
Examples
- "He always acted according to his principles, no matter the cost."
- "It is important to stay true to your principles, even when faced with difficult decisions."
- "The principle of honesty is essential in building trust in relationships."
- "She made her decisions based on the principle of fairness and equality."
- "The company's success is built on the principle of providing excellent customer service."
A basic law or assumption in a field of study that explains or governs phenomena.
Examples
- "The principle of gravity dictates that objects fall towards the Earth."
- "The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed."
- "Einstein's theory is based on the principle of relativity, which revolutionized physics."
- "The principle of buoyancy explains why ships float on water."
- "The principle of supply and demand governs market economics."
A general rule or concept that applies to many situations or actions.
Examples
- "The principle of simplicity suggests that the simplest solution is often the best."
- "In design, the principle of balance is crucial to creating aesthetically pleasing layouts."
- "She followed the principle of efficiency in organizing her workday."
- "The principle of non-interference is key in international diplomacy."
- "He explained the principle of fairness to the team before the game began."
Cultural Context
The word 'principle' originates from the Latin 'principium', meaning 'beginning' or 'foundation'. Over centuries, it evolved to represent moral laws, universal truths, and guiding ideas in various fields. The concept of principles plays a significant role in philosophy, ethics, science, and law, often forming the basis for both personal behavior and societal rules.
The Principle of Integrity
Story
The Principle of Integrity
It was a crisp autumn afternoon when Sarah found herself in a small, rustic café in the heart of the city. Her fingers absentmindedly traced the edge of her coffee cup, her mind far away. Just a few hours ago, she had received an offer from a multinational corporation—a lucrative job that promised prestige and wealth. But there was a catch: the company was notorious for unethical practices, and Sarah knew that accepting the job would mean compromising her principles. Sitting across from her was James, her old college friend, now a successful lawyer. He could sense her hesitation. "What's bothering you, Sarah?" he asked, his voice gentle but probing. Sarah sighed. "It's the offer. It's everything I ever dreamed of—except... it's against everything I stand for. The company's practices go against the principle of integrity that I've always believed in. It's not just about business ethics—it's about my own moral compass." James nodded thoughtfully. "You know, principles can be like laws in science—they're the bedrock of how we operate in the world. Just like the principle of gravity tells us that what goes up must come down, your principles will guide you through the toughest decisions. And while the lure of success is tempting, you can't ignore the fundamental truths that keep you grounded." Sarah leaned back in her chair, considering his words. James was right. The principle of integrity had always been her guiding star. But now, she had to decide whether to stay true to it or to embrace the rewards that came with compromise. As she walked out of the café later that evening, Sarah knew her decision was made. She would walk away from the job. Success, she realized, wasn’t about wealth or prestige—it was about staying true to one’s principles, no matter the cost.
Related Words
