Word
principled
Phoneticsprin·ci·pled, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹɪnsəpəɫd/
UK/pɹˈɪnsɪpəld/
Definition
adj. having strong beliefs about what is right and wrong and always trying to act according to those beliefs.
adj. acting in accordance with a strict moral or ethical code. Often used to describe decisions or individuals that prioritise ethics over personal gain.
Examples
“She is a principled leader who never lies to her team.”
“The politician took a principled stand against the new law, even though it cost him many votes.”
“The board's decision to reject the lucrative offer was a principled one, reflecting their commitment to environmental sustainability over short-term profit margins.”
Examples
simple
“She is a principled leader who never lies to her team.”
contextual
“The politician took a principled stand against the new law, even though it cost him many votes.”
complex
“The board's decision to reject the lucrative offer was a principled one, reflecting their commitment to environmental sustainability over short-term profit margins.”
Usage
Typically used to describe people, actions, or decisions; often follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'remain'.
Real-World Examples
“As I have said repeatedly, world football needs strong, principled, independent leaders who are prepared to speak up, challenge when necessary, and stand firmly by their values and those of the global game.” “A partisan shouldn’t be too principled; he should be able to ‘easily agree with his fellow-citizen’.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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