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

The proponents of this new set of first principles, most prominently among them the 28th president, Woodrow Wilson, called it progressivism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

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