Principled: meaning, definitions and examples

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principled

[ˈprɪn.sɪ.pəld ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

ethical behavior

Having or showing a strong belief in moral principles and values.

Synonyms

ethical, moral, righteous, upright.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
principled	Used to describe someone who follows a strong and consistent set of beliefs or rules. She refused the bribe because she is a principled person His principled stance on environmental issues won him many supporters
ethical	Applied in professional or organizational settings to describe actions that adhere to accepted standards of conduct. Often linked with careers like medicine, law, and business. The company is committed to maintaining high ethical standards It's essential for doctors to make ethical decisions
moral	Used more broadly to refer to what is considered right or wrong behavior according to societal or personal beliefs. She faced a moral dilemma when deciding whether to tell the truth His actions were guided by strong moral beliefs
righteous	Carries a religious or spiritual connotation, implying a person is just and morally upright. It can sometimes imply self-righteousness, giving it a slightly negative tone. He lived a righteous life, always helping others and teaching good values Her righteous indignation made her speak out against injustice
upright	Often describes someone known for honesty and integrity in both personal and professional life. The word has a formal tone. As an upright citizen, he always pays his taxes on time She is known for her upright character and dedication to the truth

Examples of usage

She was a principled leader who always stood up for what she believed in.
He made a principled decision to resign rather than compromise his values.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

based on a set of principles

Done according to a fixed set of rules or beliefs.

Synonyms

ethical, moral, righteous, upright.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
principled	Used to describe someone who is guided by a strong sense of right and wrong, particularly in difficult situations. Applies to people who stick to their beliefs and values. She refused the bribe because she is a principled person. John was known for his principled stance against corruption.
ethical	Relates to behavior that conforms to accepted standards of conduct in a particular profession or activity. Often used in professional and academic settings. The doctor followed ethical guidelines when treating the patient. She raised many ethical concerns about the company's new policy.
moral	Pertains to personal beliefs about what is right and wrong, often shaped by culture, religion, or personal experiences. Used in broader discussions about human behavior. Children should be taught strong moral values. His actions were influenced by his moral convictions.
righteous	Describes someone who behaves in a just and upright manner, often with a sense of moral superiority. Can sometimes carry a connotation of being holier-than-thou. He was a righteous man who always stood up for what was right. She gave a righteous speech about the importance of equality.
upright	Used to describe someone who is always honest and behaves in a moral and ethical way. Often implies a consistent and unblemished character. Everyone in the community respected her for her upright nature. He has always been an upright citizen, never breaking the law.

Examples of usage

The company has a principled approach to business, always following strict ethical guidelines.
He argued for a more principled approach to solving the issue, rather than resorting to quick fixes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'principium,' meaning 'a beginning or principle,' which indicates the foundation of someone's character.
It has been used in English since the early 17th century, reflecting a growing interest in ethics and moral philosophy.

Philosophy

Many philosophers argue that being principled is essential for a good life, emphasizing the importance of virtue and moral integrity.
The concept of principled behavior is central to ethical theories, including deontology, which focuses on rules and duties.

Cultural References

Literary heroes, such as Atticus Finch from 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' are often seen as principled figures who stand for justice.
The term relates to various movements, such as civil rights, where leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. were celebrated for their principled stands against injustice.

Psychology

Research suggests that principled individuals often show higher levels of integrity, which can lead to greater trust and cooperation in social scenarios.
Studies in moral psychology indicate that principled behavior may provide individuals with a stronger sense of purpose and satisfaction in life.

Education

Teaching children about principled behavior can help cultivate a sense of empathy and ethical reasoning from a young age.
Educational programs often emphasize character development, encouraging students to develop and uphold their own principles.

Translations

Translations of the word "principled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 principiado

🇮🇳 सिद्धांतवादी

🇩🇪 prinzipientreu

🇮🇩 berprinsip

🇺🇦 принциповий

🇵🇱 zasadniczy

🇯🇵 原則に基づいた

🇫🇷 de principes

🇪🇸 principiado

🇹🇷 prensipli

🇰🇷 원칙에 입각한

🇸🇦 مبدئي

🇨🇿 zásadový

🇸🇰 zásadový

🇨🇳 有原则的

🇸🇮 načelen

🇮🇸 með meginreglum

🇰🇿 принципті

🇬🇪 პრინციპული

🇦🇿 prinsipial

🇲🇽 principiado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,384, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19381 rethink
19382 desserts
19383 voltmeter
19384 principled
19385 pup
19386 pipette
19387 flex
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