precept

Everyday

1. (formal) A rule or principle telling people how to behave or think. tree →
2. (church, Bible) A command or teaching from God or a religious teacher. tree →
3. (law, UK) An official written order. tree →

In the lessons

Found in ethics, religion and old books: «the precepts of Jesus», «moral precepts» like «be kind» and «tell the truth». In Buddhism there are «five precepts». Phrases: «moral precepts», «follow the precepts», «by example rather than precept».

Examples

• "Treat others as you want to be treated" is a famous precept. tree →
• Christians believe the precepts of the Bible guide how to live. tree →
• Buddhists follow five precepts, such as not harming living things. tree →
• Our teacher taught us more by example than by precept. tree →
• Honesty is the first precept of our school rules. tree →
• The old book was full of wise precepts. tree →
• The monks lived by strict precepts. tree →
• Example is more powerful than precept. tree →

Note

Formal word; in everyday talk say «rule» or «principle». Countable. Stress: PREE-sept. Do not confuse with «concept» (an idea) or «percept».

In Jewish tradition

A precept is a rule or order from God. The Psalms, especially Psalm 119, use it for God's commands to be kept carefully.

Interpretation. Tradition reads these precepts as the mitzvot, the commandments of the Torah, which Jews study and keep.

Examples

• This I have had, that I have kept Thy precepts. (Writings PSA.119.56, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou hast ordained Thy precepts, that we should observe them diligently. (Writings PSA.119.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• I am Thine, save me; for I have sought Thy precepts. (Writings PSA.119.94, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Formal word; in everyday talk say «rule» or «principle». Countable. Stress: PREE-sept. Do not confuse with «concept» (an idea) or «percept».