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

Rhetoric to the contrary notwithstanding, these new mandarins will stay resolutely wedded to the necessity of American unilateralism, their guiding precept being “unilateralism whenever possible, multilateralism only when necessary.”

From Salon

"Most Black American liberals chose to remain in place and strive to make the United States live up to its stated precepts, even if that meant subjecting the nation to critique and themselves to danger."

From Salon

“It’s about whether or not you are going to uphold the fundamental precepts of democracy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Trump has promised to violate these fundamental precepts, including by stating dozens of times that he will use the government to punish his enemies.

From Salon

If these rules seem like precepts of a bygone age, that hasn’t stopped students from flocking to Benedictine and other conservative Catholic colleges.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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