periaatteellisella

Periaatteellisella is a Finnish adjective-inflected form derived from periaate and means principled. In practice, it describes actions, stances, or reasoning that are guided by a set of principles rather than expediency. The form is most often used together with a location or manner phrase, for example on a principled basis or in a principled way.

The root word periaate denotes a rule or standard that governs thinking or conduct. The suffix -llinen turns periaate into a descriptive adjective (periaatteellinen, principled), and the adessive form periaatteellisella expresses the sense of "on a principled basis" or "in a principled manner." This makes periaatteellisella a common grammatical vehicle for qualifying actions or decisions.

Usage notes include nuance: describing something as periaatteellinen can carry positive connotations of integrity and consistency, but it can also imply rigidity or dogmatism depending on context. It is frequently used in political, ethical, or organizational discourse to contrast principled actions with expedient ones. Common collocations include periaatteellisella pohjalla (on a principled basis) and periaatteellisella tavalla (in a principled manner), and it often appears alongside nouns like linja or päätökset.

See also terms include periaatteellinen (the base adjective), periaate (principle), and periaatteellisesti (the corresponding adverb).