first principle

noun

1. any axiom, law, or abstraction assumed and regarded as representing the highest possible degree of generalization.

first principle

noun

1. one of the fundamental assumptions on which a particular theory or procedure is thought to be based
2. an axiom of a mathematical or scientific theory

Example Sentences

“We can go back to first principles, as we did in the 70s and the early 2000s,” opposing bigger government and bigger taxes.

From BBC

During her campaign, Badenoch vowed to return the Conservatives to "first principles" and launch a series of reviews in the coming months to shape a new policy platform.

From BBC

The former business secretary argued that the UK’s system of government was “broken” and her party needed to go back to “first principles” to fix it.

From BBC

But he was able to strip things down to first principles and do things more efficiently.

From Los Angeles Times

"Moving forward, we need to design and optimize materials with sustainability metrics as a first principle."

From Science Daily