precept

noun

pre·​cept ˈprē-ˌsept 

1

: a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action

2

: an order issued by legally constituted authority to a subordinate official

Choose the Right Synonym for precept

law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure.

law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

Examples of precept in a Sentence

the basic precepts of a religion

I was taught by precept and by example.

Recent Examples on the Web

The issue is particularly acute for college sports because of its historic emphasis on the precepts of diversity and inclusion, at both the campus, conference and NCAA levels. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2025

More:Trump bristles at the courts as White House pushes executive power In recent days, Trump and Vice President JD Vance have suggested that the new administration may upend a fundamental legal precept: that the White House is obliged to obey the rulings of federal courts. —Susan Page, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025

Alcohol abstinence is the underlying precept of Dry January. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

Family is central to the Biden brand Joe Biden spent his half-century in politics insisting that politics had no place in the judicial system, but that belief ran head-first into a competing precept that family stands above all other concerns. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praeceptum, from neuter of praeceptus, past participle of praecipere to take beforehand, instruct, from prae- + capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

precept

noun

pre·​cept ˈprē-ˌsept 

: a command or principle intended as a general rule of action