Home > Antonyms > Antonyms for principle

Find the synonyms or antonyms of a word



Antonyms for principle

Grammar : Noun
Spell : prin-suh-puhl
Phonetic Transcription : ˈprɪn sə pəl


Definition of principle

Origin :
  • late 14c., "origin, source, beginning; rule of conduct; axiom, basic assumption; elemental aspect of a craft or discipline," from Anglo-French principle, Old French principe "origin, cause, principle," from Latin principium (plural principia) "a beginning, commencement, origin, first part," in plural "foundation, elements," from princeps (see prince). Used absolutely for (good or moral) principle from 1650s.
  • It is often easier to fight for principles than to live up to them. [Adlai Stevenson, speech, New York City, Aug. 27, 1952]
  • Scientific sense of "general law of nature" is recorded from 1802. The English -l- apparently is by analogy of participle, etc.
  • noun law, standard
Example sentences :
  • As respects our House of Representatives, it would in principle be the same.
  • Extract from : « 'Tis Sixty Years Since » by Charles Francis Adams
  • It was easily done, and without any cost or sacrifice of principle.
  • Extract from : « Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327 » by Various
  • But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • The principle involved in this effort is that of conservation.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • The duties were to be reduced and the system improved, but the principle was to be maintained.
  • Extract from : « The Grand Old Man » by Richard B. Cook
  • America, at its best, matches a commitment to principle with a concern for civility.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • The principle of these two young ladies is proposed as an exemplar to her sex.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • To some features of the Bill he was opposed, but was in favor of its principle.
  • Extract from : « The Grand Old Man » by Richard B. Cook
  • Exactly what that principle was I could not at the time have said; I merely recognised it as being there.
  • Extract from : « The Conquest of Fear » by Basil King
  • I saw it as containing a principle that would work with me if I could work with it.
  • Extract from : « The Conquest of Fear » by Basil King

Synonyms for principle

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019