Precepts

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Fundamental principles or rules that guide conduct and thought
2. Basic guidelines or moral rules intended to direct actions and beliefs
3. Core regulations or tenets established to influence behavior and decisions

Etymology: "Precepts" is the plural of "precept," and the singular carries the core of the story. It was borrowed from Late Latin "praeceptum," a form of "praecipere," meaning "to teach" or "to instruct." That verb is built from "prae," "before" or "in advance," and "capere," "to take" or "to seize." So at its root is the image of taking something in hand beforehand, handing it on to someone before they need it. That sense of advance instruction explains why a precept is a rule given to guide conduct rather than a law enforced by punishment. The word stresses the teacher's act of passing on guidance, which is why it suits the moral codes, professional maxims, and principles that people are expected to absorb and follow.

Synonyms: principles, rules, guidelines, maxims, doctrines