How to pronounce principle
Say it like PRIN-suh-pul. Principle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce principle. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PRIN
- suh
- pul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Principle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PRINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- pulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of principle
American and British speakers say principle in essentially the same way: /ˈprɪnsəpəl/ in the US and /ˈprɪnsɪpəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: PRIN-sih-pul.
What does principle mean?
- a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct“their principles of composition characterized all their works”
- a rule or standard especially of good behavior“a man of principle”“he will not violate his principles”
- a basic truth or law or assumption“the principles of democracy”
Where does principle come from?
From Middle English principle, from Old French principe, from Latin prīncipium (“beginning, foundation”), from prīnceps (“first”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with principle
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of principle.
Words that sound like principle
Questions about saying principle
How do you pronounce principle?
Say PRIN-suh-pul. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɪnsəpəl/. In British English it is /ˈprɪnsɪpəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in principle?
Principle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PRIN). Broken into parts: PRIN · suh · pul.
Do Americans and Brits say principle the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈprɪnsəpəl/ and the British form is /ˈprɪnsɪpəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as principle?
Principle sounds the same as principal in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.