Precept

Quick meaning: Precept is a noun meaning A rule or principle, especially one governing personal conduct.

Meaning

A rule or principle, especially one governing personal conduct.

More Meanings

1. (law) A written command, especially a demand for payment.
2. (UK) An order issued by one local authority to another specifying the rate of tax to be charged on its behalf.
3. (UK) A tax rate set by such an order; the tax thus collected.
4. (intransitive, chiefly US, medicine) To act as a preceptor; to teach a physician-in-training by supervising their clinical practice.
5. (transitive, obsolete) To teach (something) by precepts.

Example Sentences

Precept guides, but example draws.

The Parish Council is financed by raising a small levy - the precept - on all residential properties within the parish.

By Heav’ns, ſuch Virtues, join’d with ſuch Succeſs, Diſtract my very Soul: Our Father’s Fortune Wou’d almoſt tempt us to renounce his Precepts.

I need hardly point out that Pinker doesn't really believe anything of what he writes, at least if example is stronger evidence of belief than precept.

Word Forms

• precepts
• precepting
• precepted

Synonyms for precept

Depending on context, synonyms include principle, teaching.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include principle, teaching, rule, lesson, requirement, dictum.

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