1. a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior
基本真理或信條，作為信仰或行為體系的基礎
The principle of equality is central to our constitution.
平等的原則是我們憲法的核心。
He refused to compromise his principles.
他拒絕妥協自己的原則。
Principle Meaning（定義、用法、例句與發音）
principle
noun
快速理解
What does "Principle" mean?What are 2-3 core uses of "Principle"?
「principle」指指導行為或解釋現象的核心規則、信念或真理。
- 1
基本信念或道德準則
EN: A fundamental belief or rule that guides behavior.
翻譯: 指導行為的基本信念或規則。
- 2
自然或科學定律
EN: A basic law or truth that explains how something works in nature or science.
翻譯: 解釋自然界或科學中事物運作方式的基本定律或真理。
- 3
運作方式或方法
EN: A general method or way of operating.
翻譯: 一種通用的運作方式或方法。
- 4
基本成分或要素
EN: A basic element or constituent that something is composed of.
翻譯: 構成某事物的基本成分或要素。
小提醒：注意與發音相同的「principal」（主要的；校長）區分。"Principle" 是名詞，指規則或信念；"principal" 通常是形容詞或指負責人。
發音（How to Pronounce "Principle" in English）
How to pronounce "Principle" in English?"Principle" US vs UK pronunciation
點擊下方的 US / UK 按鈕可播放發音。
Real-life Examples of "Principle" from YouTube Videos
Richard Weller: Could the sun be good for your heart?
TED
“That is an absolutely fundamental physiological principle. So what we've next done is we've moved on to looking at blood vessel dilatation.”
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Definitions（定義）
What are the definitions of "Principle"?How does "Principle" change by context?
2. a general scientific theorem or law that has numerous special applications across a wide field
一個普遍適用的科學定理或定律，在廣泛領域中有許多特殊應用
Archimedes' principle explains why objects float or sink.
阿基米德原理解釋了物體為何會浮起或下沉。
The basic principles of physics are taught in high school.
物理學的基本原理在高中就會教授。
3. a rule or standard, especially of good behavior
規則或標準，尤指良好行為的準則
It's a matter of principle to treat everyone with respect.
以尊重對待每個人是原則問題。
She acted on principle, not out of personal gain.
她是基於原則行事，而非出於個人利益。
4. a fundamental source or basis of something
某事物的根本來源或基礎
The principle behind the machine's operation is quite simple.
這台機器運作背後的原理相當簡單。
They agreed in principle, but the details needed to be worked out.
他們原則上同意了，但細節還需要敲定。
Grammar & Patterns（句型）
What are common sentence patterns for "Principle"?How to make natural sentences with "Principle"?
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| principle + of + noun | …的原則 | The principle of fairness must be upheld. (公平的原則必須被維護。) |
| principle + that + clause | …的原則 | We follow the principle that everyone is equal. (我們遵循人人平等的原則。) |
| on principle | 基於原則 | I refuse to do it on principle. (基於原則，我拒絕這麼做。) |
| in principle | 原則上 | They agreed in principle, but details need work. (他們原則上同意，但細節還需商討。) |
| a matter of principle | 原則問題 | For him, it's a matter of principle. (對他來說，這是個原則問題。) |
| against one's principles | 違背某人的原則 | Lying goes against my principles. (說謊違背我的原則。) |
| adhere to / stick to + principle(s) | 堅持原則 | She always adheres to her principles. (她總是堅持自己的原則。) |
| a basic / fundamental principle | 基本／根本原則 | Honesty is a fundamental principle. (誠實是一項根本原則。) |
| principle + behind + noun | …背後的原則 | Do you understand the principle behind this rule? (你理解這條規則背後的原則嗎？) |
用法說明
How is "Principle" different from similar structures?What usage mistakes are common with "Principle"?
principle 與 principal 的區別
- principle 是名詞，指「原則、原理、基本信條」。
- principal 可以是名詞（指「校長」或「本金」）或形容詞（指「主要的」）。
- 記憶訣竅：principle 和 rule 都以 -le 結尾，都與「規則」有關。
- principal 是你的 pal（朋友），想像校長是你的朋友。 EN: Honesty is a fundamental principle in our company. 翻譯: 誠實是我們公司的基本原則。
EN:The principal reason for the meeting is to discuss the budget.
翻譯:這次會議的主要目的是討論預算。
總結建議
記住「principle 是規則，principal 是人物或主要事物」的口訣，就能有效區分兩者。
易混淆對比
What is the difference between "Principle" and similar words?How to choose "Principle" vs alternatives?
principle vs principal
「principle」指原則、原理，是抽象概念；「principal」作名詞時指校長或本金，作形容詞時指主要的。兩者發音相同，但拼寫與意思不同。
principle vs rule
「principle」是廣泛、根本性的指導理念或自然法則；「rule」則是具體、必須遵守的規定或條例。
principle vs theory
「principle」是基礎性的真理或法則，常作為行動或推理的依據；「theory」則是解釋現象的系統性假說或學說，需要驗證。
口語用法
How is "Principle" used in spoken English?What is the spoken vs formal difference for "Principle"?
引述
在對話中，當你轉述或提及一個普遍接受的規則或信念時，可以用 "principle" 來開頭或強調其權威性。 EN: In principle, we should all agree on this basic rule. 翻譯: 原則上，我們都應該同意這條基本規則。
EN:That goes against my principles, so I can't support it.
翻譯:那違背了我的原則，所以我不能支持。
語氣強調
用來加強語氣，表示某件事是核心、根本的，不容妥協或忽視。 EN: It's not just about money; it's a matter of principle. 翻譯: 這不只是錢的問題；這是原則問題。
EN:The principle behind it is what really matters.
翻譯:背後的原理才是真正重要的。
停頓填充
在組織思緒或尋找合適詞語時，可用 "in principle" 作為短暫的填充語，表示總體上同意，但後面可能接細節上的保留。 EN: In principle... yes, but we need to look at the practical details. 翻譯: 原則上… 是的，但我們需要看看實際細節。
EN:Well, the principle is sound, it's just the execution that's tricky.
翻譯:嗯，原則是健全的，只是執行起來比較棘手。
正式寫作注意：在學術或正式文件中，應避免將 "in principle" 用作填充停頓詞，以保持文章的嚴謹與流暢。建議明確陳述同意或反對的總體立場，然後直接展開論述。
常見短語
What common collocations use "Principle"?What fixed phrases with "Principle" should I remember?
basic principle
adj + principle
基本原則
guiding principle
adj + principle
指導原則
a matter of principle
a matter of + principle
原則問題
agree in principle
verb + in principle
原則上同意
first principles
adj + principle
第一性原理；基本原理
stick to one's principles
verb + one's principles
堅持自己的原則
underlying principle
adj + principle
根本原則；潛在原則
general principle
adj + principle
通則；普遍原則
常見錯誤
What are common mistakes with "Principle"?Which "Principle" sentences look correct but are wrong?
×The school principal is based on fairness.
✓The school principle is based on fairness.
混淆 'principle'（原則、原理）與 'principal'（校長、主要的）。'Principle' 是名詞，指基本真理或行為準則；'principal' 可作名詞（校長）或形容詞（主要的）。
×He has strong principle.
✓He has strong principles.
'Principle' 作為可數名詞，指具體的準則或信條時，通常使用複數形式 'principles'。單數形式通常用於指抽象概念或單一特定原理。
×I agree with you on principle, but we need to check the details.
✓I agree with you in principle, but we need to check the details.
'In principle' 意為「原則上、大體上」，表示基本同意但可能有細節保留；'on principle' 意為「基於原則、根據信念」，指因道德或信念而採取行動。
×According to the principle of this game, you cannot touch the ball with your hands.
✓According to the rule of this game, you cannot touch the ball with your hands.
誤用 'principle'（原理、準則）來指具體的「規則」。'Principle' 指普遍性的真理或行為準則；'rule' 指具體的規定或條例。
×This is a principle issue for our company.
✓This is a principal issue for our company.
誤將名詞 'principle' 當作形容詞使用。'Principle' 只能是名詞；形容詞形式是 'principal'（主要的）或 'fundamental'（基本的）。
×These principle are important to follow.
✓These principles are important to follow.
主詞為複數 'principles' 時，動詞必須使用複數形式 'are'。需注意名詞單複數與動詞的一致性。
詞形變化
What are the word forms of "Principle"?What are tense/participle forms of "Principle"?