precept

noun

pre·​cept ˈprē-ˌsept 

1

: a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action

2

: an order issued by legally constituted authority to a subordinate official

Choose the Right Synonym for precept

law, rule, regulation, precept, statute, ordinance, canon mean a principle governing action or procedure.

law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

Examples of precept in a Sentence

the basic precepts of a religion

I was taught by precept and by example.

Recent Examples on the Web

Other motions argued the state’s death penalty statute constitutes a violation of international law and the fundamental precepts of international human rights. —Veronica Miracle, CNN, 6 Sep. 2024

Project 2025 also reveals the degree to which MAGA leaders expect the government to enforce the precepts of White Christian nationalism. —Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post, 28 July 2024

The exalted subconscious, the spurning of reason—these are the precepts of Breton’s manifesto, familiar from any art-history textbook. —Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2024

There's no legal precept by which the candidate who wins the primaries must be nominated; that's just how parties have chosen to run things since the 1970s. —Zachary Basu, Axios, 24 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praeceptum, from neuter of praeceptus, past participle of praecipere to take beforehand, instruct, from prae- + capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

precept

noun

pre·​cept ˈprē-ˌsept 

: a command or principle intended as a general rule of action