principle

principe

Une conviction sur le bien et le mal qui guide la conduite.

En anglais simple : A belief about right and wrong that guides how you behave.

• Honesty is an important principle for me.
• She refused the money on principle.
• Would you break your principles to help a friend?

Comment l'utiliser : on principle (He refuses to buy stolen goods on principle.); against someone’s principles (Lying to customers is against my principles.)

Synonymes : belief, value

Expressions courantes : moral principle, matter of principle, principle of honesty, a firm principle

principe

Une règle ou une idée de base qui explique comment quelque chose fonctionne.

En anglais simple : A basic rule or idea that explains how something works.

• The machine works on a simple principle.
• We studied the principles of flight.
• Can you explain the principle behind this design?

Comment l'utiliser : principle behind something (The principle behind the pump is easy to understand.); principle of something (We learned the principle of heat transfer.)

Synonymes : rule, law

Expressions courantes : basic principle, scientific principle, principle of something

principe, fondement

Une conviction, une règle ou une idée de base sur laquelle reposent d’autres idées ou décisions.

En anglais simple : A basic belief, rule, or starting idea on which other ideas or decisions depend.

• Equality is a guiding principle of our organization.
• Their argument rests on two basic principles.
• We agreed on the principle that everyone should have a voice.

Comment l'utiliser : principle that + clause (We accept the principle that all votes have equal value.)

Synonymes : foundation, tenet

Expressions courantes : guiding principle, fundamental principle, principle of equality