general principle crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "general principle" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled the most common answers along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and back to enjoying your puzzle.
Solutions for "general principle crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RULE: A standard or instruction that describes how to do something or how things should be.
5 Letters
TENET: A principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy.
AXIOM: A statement or proposition which is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true.
CANON: A general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged.
8 Letters
DOCTRINE: A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, political party, or other group.
More About "general principle crossword clue"
The phrase "general principle" is a foundational concept across many disciplines, from science and mathematics to ethics and law. In crosswords, it serves as a versatile clue, prompting solvers to think about core tenets, established truths, or guiding rules that underpin a system or belief. The beauty of such a clue lies in its breadth, requiring solvers to consider context and common synonyms.
Understanding the nuances between terms like 'rule', 'tenet', 'axiom', and 'doctrine' is key to correctly identifying the answer. While all relate to a 'general principle', their specific connotations can guide you to the perfect fit for your puzzle's length and surrounding letters. For instance, an 'axiom' often implies self-evident truth, while a 'doctrine' points to a more formally established set of beliefs.
This clue's popularity in crosswords stems from its ability to test a solver's vocabulary depth and conceptual understanding. Always consider the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you might already have, as these will often narrow down the possibilities significantly from the various synonyms available.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count Early: Always start by noting the number of letters in the answer box. This immediately filters out many potential solutions for a clue like "general principle."
- Think of Contextual Synonyms: Depending on the puzzle's theme or other clues, consider if the "general principle" leans towards a scientific law, a philosophical belief, or a legal guideline. This can help you choose between words like AXIOM, TENET, or RULE.
- Leverage Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've filled in from crossing words. These are your most powerful tools for eliminating incorrect answers and confirming the correct one for "general principle."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best approach to solving clues like 'general principle'?
For clues like 'general principle', think broadly about synonyms that apply across various fields like philosophy, law, science, or general conduct. Consider words like 'rule', 'tenet', 'axiom', or 'doctrine', and check their letter counts against your puzzle.
Why do 'general principle' clues often have multiple answers?
The term 'general principle' is highly conceptual and has many synonyms depending on the context (e.g., a scientific principle vs. a moral principle). This semantic flexibility leads to several valid answers of different lengths that could fit the same clue.
Can a 'general principle' clue ever refer to a specific, named principle?
While less common, sometimes a 'general principle' clue might obliquely hint at a specific named principle, especially if the puzzle has a theme. However, usually, it refers to the common noun form, seeking a synonym like 'rule' or 'axiom'.