principii

Principii is the plural form of principiu in Romanian, meaning principles or fundamental rules. The term denotes basic norms, standards, or assumptions that guide reasoning, behavior, or systems of thought. In everyday language and in specialized writing, principii appears across ethics, law, science, politics, education, and religion to refer to the core foundations of a theory, code of conduct, or regulatory framework. The word’s etymology traces principiu to the Latin principium, with adaptation through other Romance languages into Romanian.

Grammatically, principii is the indefinite plural; the definite plural is principiile. For example, principii etici, principii fundamentale ale dreptului, principii de guvernanță. When enumerated, principii may be contrasted with rules, norms, or practices, clarifying the normative basis of a position or proposal. In academic and policy contexts, discussions about principii often distinguish normative principles (what ought to be) from empirical generalizations (patterns observed in practice).

In English-language contexts, principii is usually translated as “principles.” The term is primarily used in Romanian-language discourse, where it serves to articulate the foundational ideas that underpin theories, codes, or institutions.