principle

principio

Una convinzione su ciò che è giusto o sbagliato che guida il comportamento.

In inglese semplice: 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?

Come si usa: on principle (He refuses to buy stolen goods on principle.); against someone’s principles (Lying to customers is against my principles.)

Sinonimi: belief, value

Espressioni comuni: moral principle, matter of principle, principle of honesty, a firm principle

principio

Una regola o idea fondamentale che spiega come funziona qualcosa.

In inglese semplice: 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?

Come si usa: principle behind something (The principle behind the pump is easy to understand.); principle of something (We learned the principle of heat transfer.)

Sinonimi: rule, law

Espressioni comuni: basic principle, scientific principle, principle of something

principio, fondamento

Una convinzione, regola o idea di base su cui si fondano altre idee o decisioni.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Come si usa: principle that + clause (We accept the principle that all votes have equal value.)

Sinonimi: foundation, tenet

Espressioni comuni: guiding principle, fundamental principle, principle of equality