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.

He will give a speech later about his first principles - his values and his patriotism.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

Jefferson articulated America’s first principles, but without Washington’s leadership, those principles wouldn’t have survived.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

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

From Slate • Sep. 26, 2025

For us to truly understand something, we have to be able to re-create the effect from first principles, if the principles at work are indeed what create the effect.

From Slate • Feb. 26, 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