principled

[prin-suh-puhld]

adjective

1. imbued with or having moral principles (often used in combination).

   high-principled.

principled

/ ˈprɪnsɪpəld /

adjective

1. 1. having high moral principles

   2. ( in combination )

      high-principled

Other Word Forms

• misprincipled adjective
• nonprincipled adjective
• well-principled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of principled¹

First recorded in 1635–45; principle + -ed ³

Example Sentences

The fan-favorite type A lawyer with a perfectly-positioned ponytail was McGill/Goodman’s principled but increasingly conflicted girlfriend who got caught up in his elaborate schemes and paid a price for his crimes.

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But that doesn’t mean we should lie to ourselves about the FBI’s mission and history, or pretend that Patel has desecrated a noble, principled and independent institution.

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In other words, what Johnny Cash lacked in chicness he more than made up for with principled decency.

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“I took a principled stand,” he said, adding, “You don’t 9/11 your friends.”

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Many observers perceive a partisan as well as principled divide on the current court.

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Related Words

• conscientious 
• decent 
• equitable 
• honest 
• honorable 
• humane 
• moral 
• moralistic 
• noble 
• righteous 
• virtuous