English Reference
Adjective

principled

adj.
C1 Advanced US /ˈpɹɪnsəpəɫd/ UK /pɹˈɪnsɪpəld/ prin·ci·pled

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.


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'.

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.

The Guardian· 18 Aug 2026

A partisan shouldn’t be too principled; he should be able to ‘easily agree with his fellow-citizen’.

Aeon· 18 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated