cardinal tenet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cardinal tenet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental principle or belief that is essential to a particular philosophy or system of thought. Example: "One cardinal tenet of our organization is the commitment to sustainability in all our practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This kind of tolerance and receptivity is itself a cardinal tenet of Enlightenment thought.

The New York Times - Books

The cardinal tenet of my 32-year tenure as director of college guidance at the Collegiate School has been to give each student a fair shake.

The New York Times

A cardinal tenet is that people should diversify — meaning they shouldn't put nearly all of their financial eggs in one basket, which is what homeownership now means for so many people.

The New York Times

Every newspaper, like every bank and every police department, trusts its employees to uphold central principles, and the inquiry found that Mr. Blair repeatedly violated the cardinal tenet of journalism, which is simply truth.

The New York Times

Overshadowing all other guerrilla groups, Al Fatah's cardinal tenet is aloofness from inter‐Arab quarrels, a position that enables it to receive substantial financial support from conservative regimes such as those of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Morocco as well as radical governments like that of Algeria.

The New York Times

A free-speech regime cannot accommodate the notion of blasphemous speech, of speech interdicted in advance, for the cardinal tenet of First Amendment doctrine is that no concept or proposition (even one critical of a deity) should be either demonized or glorified before it is put to the test of rational deliberation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This inquiry shows that I flouted the cardinal tenets and long-established rules of relationships, and that the fabrications, lies, fictions, and factual errors that I committed are more extensive than anyone could have known.

The New Yorker

Constitutionally speaking, a government official who sets out to determine what a contested concept within Islam means, or which imams have the right to speak for a particular community, would be in danger of transgressing one of the cardinal tenets of the Establishment Clause: the secular state shall not become an arbiter of religious content.

The New York Times

Philodemus thinks it important not only to understand, but also to memorize the cardinal tenets, which help us to measure our choices and avoidances by the naturally given ends, not merely as some Epicureans held because knowing the cardinal tenets lends tranquillity of mind ([On Choices and Avoidances] XI 7 20).

SEP

Understanding the cardinal tenets of Epicureanism and keeping them in memory will help us deliberate, but deliberation may still be inhibited by our desires, which must therefore be well understood by us, together with their causes.

SEP

One of the cardinal tenets of utilitarianism was the imperative duty of the state to intervene in cases in which its actions might maximize the aggregate happiness of the community.

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cardinal tenet", ensure the context clearly establishes the system of thought or philosophy to which the tenet belongs. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cardinal tenet" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase carries a formal tone and is best suited for academic, professional, or serious discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cardinal tenet" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a foundational principle or core belief within a specific system or ideology. As Ludwig AI states, it is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cardinal tenet" is a formal phrase used to denote a foundational principle or core belief within a specific system or ideology. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and best suited for academic, professional, or serious contexts. While alternatives like "fundamental principle" or "core belief" exist, "cardinal tenet" emphasizes the utmost importance of the tenet. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental principle

Replaces "cardinal" with "fundamental", emphasizing the basic and essential nature of the principle.

central tenet

Swaps "cardinal" for "central", focusing on the principle's position of importance.

core belief

Substitutes "tenet" with "belief", highlighting the conviction aspect of the principle.

primary doctrine

Uses "primary" in place of "cardinal" to denote importance.

essential doctrine

Uses "doctrine" instead of "tenet", suggesting a more formal and established principle.

foundational belief

Highlights the role of the belief as a base or starting point.

basic precept

Replaces both "cardinal" and "tenet" with "basic" and "precept", offering a slightly different tone.

key principle

Emphasizes the importance of the principle by using "key".

cornerstone principle

Implies that the principle is essential to support other ideas, like a cornerstone in architecture.

guiding principle

Indicates that the tenet offers direction or leadership.

FAQs

What does "cardinal tenet" mean?

A "cardinal tenet" refers to a fundamental principle or belief that is of utmost importance within a specific system of thought, philosophy, or organization. It is a core concept that guides actions and decisions.

How can I use "cardinal tenet" in a sentence?

You can use "cardinal tenet" to describe essential beliefs. For example, "One "fundamental principle" of journalism is to report the truth."

What are some alternatives to "cardinal tenet"?

Alternatives include "fundamental principle", "core belief", or "essential doctrine". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "cardinal tenet" the same as "cardinal rule"?

While both involve something fundamental, a "cardinal tenet" is a principle or belief, whereas a "cardinal rule" is a strict guideline or regulation. They are similar in importance but different in application.