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.

Ilyse Hogue: I go back to first principles on a lot of the projects that I work on.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

There are first principles on what makes a career: It’s something you enjoy, that you’re good at and that’s useful to someone else.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

The prime minister insisted to me it was the first principles that motivated him – driving down child poverty, improving the NHS and schools.

From BBC • Nov. 27, 2025

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

From Slate • Sep. 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