precept

American  

[pree-sept] / ˈpri sɛpt /

noun

1. a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct.

   Synonyms:

   prescription, instruction, guide, order, directive

2. an injunction as to moral conduct; maxim.

3. a procedural directive or rule, as for the performance of some technical operation.

4. Law.

   1. a writ or warrant.

   2. a written order issued pursuant to law, as a sheriff's order for an election.

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precept British  

/ ˈpriːsɛpt /

noun

1. a rule or principle for action

2. a guide or rule for morals; maxim

3. a direction, esp for a technical operation

4. law

   1. a writ or warrant

   2. a written order to a sheriff to arrange an election, the empanelling of a jury, etc

   3. (in England) an order to collect money under a rate

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Etymology

Origin of precept

1300–50; Middle English < Latin praeceptum piece of advice, rule, noun use of neuter of praeceptus, past participle of praecipere to direct, foresee, literally, to take beforehand, equivalent to prae- pre- + -cep-, combining form of capere to take + -tus past participle suffix

Example Sentences

In a sprawling nation founded on the precept of individual liberty and populated primarily by immigrants from around the world, there was hardly one American experience.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

"This includes projected spending from additional income, including estimated funding from the police council tax precept," the documents say.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2025

Police budgets are made up of funding from both central government and local government and the increase assumes a rise in the police council tax precept, Treasury documents suggest.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2025

While generally true, the precept doesn’t hold in the case of playwright Athol Fugard, whose body of work helped transform the history of his nation.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2025

“Oh look, a Mr. Browne precept!” she said, pointing to a cutout of Mr. Browne’s September precept.

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio

Related Words

• axiom
• canon
• commandment
• doctrine
• dogma
• edict
• tenet