principio
principle, beginning
noun preen-CHEE-pyoh Common
Origin: Latin principium (beginning, foundation).
Usage Note
Principio covers two senses that Italian does not always separate: a guiding principle (un principio morale = a moral principle) and a beginning or starting point (dal principio = from the beginning). Do not confuse with principe (prince) or principale (main/boss).
Examples
"Agisce sempre per principio."
Natural Translation
She always acts on principle.
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