Precept
hardPREE-sept
noun
Definition
A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought
Examples
“The teacher followed the precept that all students can learn.”
“Moral precepts guide our ethical decisions.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Precept is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "principle" or "rule" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "exception".
Related GRE Words
tenet
A principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy
doctrine
A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group
aphorism
A pithy observation that contains a general truth
adage
A proverb or short statement expressing a general truth
ubiquitous
Present, appearing, or found everywhere
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
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