precept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precept" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought, often in a moral or ethical context. Example: "The precept of honesty is fundamental to building trust in any relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cash, to come from the Olympic precept, the extra money Londoners paid in tax to help fund the 2012 Games, would represent a 28% increase in funding for Sure Start in the capital and take the mayoralty into a new field of public policy.

The Guardian

Jowell's team calculates that the London repayments on the Olympic Games will require just £25m before completion, meaning the Olympic precept worth £61m will be available entirely for Sure Start from 2017-18.

The Guardian

Cast adrift by the West, which now found India more attractive, it too moved ever closer to fundamentalism.Related items A year on: Night fell on a different worldSep 5th 2002 The Arab world: Revolution delayedSep 5th 2002 One year on: RememberSep 5th 2002September 11th has re-established the precept that Central Asia is too important and too dangerous to be ignored.

The Economist

The current government has followed his precept, awarding them lavish raises while, in some cases, allowing them to do less work which helps to explain why the cash bonanza has not yielded a commensurate boost in output.

The Economist

Compiled in fifth-century Babylon (today's Iraq), it has since enticed, intrigued and exhausted generations of Jews.For Orthodox Jews, lifelong study of the Talmud is the supreme religious precept.

The Economist

Americans might here put forward another precept: that justice delayed is justice denied.The judges' decision also ignored "reasonable doubt".

The Economist

But he was also obeying a Thatcherite precept that Mr Blair followed too, albeit more in rhetoric than in reality: an idea of government as permanent revolution, thrusting change upon a recalcitrant but ultimately grateful nation.

The Economist

By what precept are we excused from morality when acting collectively for business?

The Economist

Nor would today's Sunni Muslim extremists much care for al-Ghazali's assertion that law is designed to serve a purpose which is greater than any individual precept; violent types tend to be fanatics for the letter of the law as they interpret it.A more interesting question is where al-Ghazali fits in the history of Western thought.

The Economist

There is a "long established precept", he wrote, that while "the incidents, benefits, and obligations of marriage are uniform for all married couples within each State...they may vary, subject to constitutional guarantees, from one State to the next".

The Economist

That makes a payment system a very attractive alternative; it embodies the economic precept that if you want to stop a behaviour, you should tax the behaviour, not regulate the side effects.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precept" when you want to emphasize a guiding principle or rule, especially in a moral or ethical context. For a more general term, "principle" may be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "precept" when you mean "concept". A "precept" is a rule or principle, while a "concept" is an abstract idea.

Linguistic Context

The noun "precept" functions primarily as a descriptor of a rule or principle, especially one that guides conduct or thought. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable term in English. Examples show its use in discussing ethical standards, legal principles, and philosophical concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "precept" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that refers to a rule or principle, guiding behavior or thought, often with a moral or ethical dimension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal contexts like news, science, and business. When writing, ensure that "precept" is not confused with "concept", and consider alternatives like "principle" or "guideline" based on the desired level of formality and specificity. The usage analysis reveals its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources such as The Economist and the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principle

Replaces "precept" with a more general term for a fundamental truth or proposition.

tenet

Highlights a principle or belief held as true.

rule

Offers a more straightforward substitute, focusing on the prescriptive aspect.

guideline

Suggests a less strict, more advisory approach.

doctrine

Implies a more formal or established system of belief.

commandment

Emphasizes the authoritative nature of the instruction.

edict

Conveys a sense of official decree or proclamation.

injunction

Stresses an authoritative warning or order.

regulation

Focuses on rules established by an authority.

canon

Refers to an ecclesiastical law or established principle.

FAQs

How is "precept" typically used in a sentence?

The word "precept" is often used to describe a rule or principle that guides behavior, as in "The ethical precept of honesty is crucial in journalism."

What's the difference between "precept" and "principle"?

While both terms refer to guiding beliefs, "precept" often implies a more specific and directive rule, whereas "principle" is a broader, more fundamental concept.

When is it appropriate to use "precept" instead of "guideline"?

"Precept" is suitable when referring to a strict rule or command, whereas "guideline" suggests a more flexible recommendation.

What are some common synonyms for "precept"?

Common synonyms for "precept" include "principle", "rule", "commandment", and "doctrine depending on the specific context".