first principles

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is rooted in the first principles thinking popular with Musk, McNeill told me for an episode of the “Bold Names” podcast.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Rationalists—like lawyers relying on “common sense” reasoning—believe we can deduce truth from first principles.

From Slate • Sep. 26, 2025

All departments have also reassessed spending from first principles, as part of a "zero-based" review.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2025

But sometimes the most important work is simply clearing the debris, removing the judicial inventions that cloud the text, and returning to first principles.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2025

Let any obstructing cause, no matter what, be removed in any way—even by death—and we fly back to first principles of hope and enjoyment.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker