precept

[pree-sept]

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.

precept

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of precept¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of precept¹

C14: from Latin praeceptum maxim, injunction, from praecipere to admonish, from prae before + capere to take

Example Sentences

That also aligns nicely with several modern precepts we’ve come to tolerate about certain New Yorkers who are propped up by political and corporate forces that enable them to get away with just about everything.

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Arthur Schlesinger Jr. seemed to agree when he wrote that “the language of the new nation, its laws, its institutions, its political ideas, its literature, its customs, its precepts, its prayers, primarily derived from Britain.”

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Baseball isn’t Davis’ only passion — nor is it the only thing that has recently tested some of his most deeply-held precepts.

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We can recite the precepts—move more, eat carefully, sleep well, don’t smoke—even if we occasionally struggle with the practice.

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When did those precepts of manhood become rules for losers?

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Related Words

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