1. (noun)principle, rule a basicgeneralization 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. (noun)principle a rule or standard especially of goodbehavior "a man of principle"; "he will not violate his principles"
3. (noun)principle a basictruth or law or assumption "the principles of democracy"
4. (noun)principle, rule a rule or law concerning a naturalphenomenon or the function of a complexsystem "the principle of the conservation of mass"; "the principle of jet propulsion"; "the right-hand rule for inductive fields"
6. (noun)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"
Definition of 'principle' 
