principle

[1]	truth , rule , given , precept , tenet , fundamental , grounds , law , rule , dictum , canon , doctrine , teaching , dogma , proposition , (basic) assumption , postulate , axiom , maxim , truism , guide , standard , criterion , model
[2]	principles , philosophy , code , attitude , (point of) view , viewpoint , sentiment , belief , credo , creed , idea , notion , ethic , sense of right and wrong
[3]	(sense of) honour , uprightness , honesty , morality , morals , probity , integrity , conscience
[4]	in principle , rule , on principle , in theory , theoretically , basically , fundamentally , at bottom , in essence , essentially , ideally
[5]	precept
[6]	rationale