Principle
easyPRIN-sih-pul
noun
Definition
A fundamental truth or proposition; a rule or belief governing behavior
Examples
“She refused to compromise her principles.”
“The principle of fairness guided their decisions.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Principle is a easy-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "tenet" or "doctrine" 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
maxim
A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct
adage
A proverb or short statement expressing a general truth
aphorism
A pithy observation that contains a general truth
adulterate
To make something poorer in quality by adding another substance
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