guiding principle crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "guiding principle crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "guiding principle crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TENET: A principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy.
ETHOS: The characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations, serving as a guiding principle.
MAXIM: A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct, often acting as a guiding principle.
CREDO: A statement of the beliefs or aims which guide someone's actions, essentially a guiding principle.
AXIOM: A statement or proposition which is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true, often forming a fundamental guiding principle.
8 Letters
DOCTRINE: A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, political party, or other group, functioning as a guiding principle.
More About "guiding principle crossword clue"
The term "guiding principle" refers to a fundamental truth, belief, or rule that influences the development of a course of action or the way an organization functions. In the context of crosswords, this clue often points to words that encapsulate core values, established rules, or underlying philosophies. Understanding the nuances of such terms can significantly aid in solving puzzles.
Crossword setters frequently use synonyms for common phrases to test a solver's vocabulary depth. For "guiding principle," they might be looking for a single word that concisely expresses this concept. The answers provided above, such as TENET, ETHOS, and DOCTRINE, are excellent examples of words that fit this description, each with slightly different connotations but all pointing to a foundational idea.
Recognizing the context in which a 'guiding principle' might appear – whether it's related to ethics, science, religion, or a specific field – can help narrow down the possibilities. Always consider the surrounding letters and clues to confirm the correct answer, as multiple words can sometimes fit the same clue, especially for common concepts like this.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always check the number of letters required for the answer first. This is crucial for clues like "guiding principle" which can have several synonyms of varying lengths.
- Consider Nuances: While many words fit "guiding principle," some might imply a religious belief (TENET, CREDO), a societal standard (ETHOS, MAXIM), or a formalized system of thought (DOCTRINE, AXIOM). Thinking about these subtle differences can help you pinpoint the exact answer.
- Utilize Crossings: If you're stuck, try solving adjacent clues first. The letters filled in from crossing words are often the most effective way to confirm or deduce the correct answer for a tricky clue like "guiding principle."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'guiding principle' mean in a crossword?
In a crossword, 'guiding principle' refers to a fundamental belief, rule, or standard that influences behavior or thought. Common answers often include words like TENET, ETHOS, MAXIM, or DOCTRINE, which all denote core beliefs or rules of conduct.
How can I find synonyms for 'guiding principle' for crosswords?
To find synonyms for 'guiding principle', consider words that mean a core belief, a rule of conduct, a fundamental truth, or an underlying philosophy. Think about words like credo, canon, moral, ideal, or precept. Using an online thesaurus or crossword dictionary can also be very helpful.
Are 'guiding principle' clues usually easy or difficult?
'Guiding principle' clues can range from easy to moderately difficult, depending on the specific word the setter is looking for and its letter length. Shorter, common answers like TENET or ETHOS might be easier, while less common synonyms or longer words like DOCTRINE could be more challenging. Context from crossing words is often key.