zásadový

Zásadové is an adjective in Czech that derives from zásada, meaning principle or rule. It is used to describe people, stances, or actions that are characterized by a firm adherence to ethical standards, moral principles, or consistent rules. The term often conveys a sense of integrity and reliability, but it can also carry a connotation of rigidity if principles are applied in a dogmatic or inflexible way.

In everyday and public discourse, zásadové attitudes are praised when they lead to principled decisions and clear boundaries. They can be used to highlight consistency in positions on important issues, business ethics, or personal conduct. Conversely, the label can be used pejoratively when principles are perceived as obstructing compromise or practical considerations.

Common usages include phrases such as zásadové postoje (principled stances) or zásadoví lidé (principled people). The concept is closely related to other terms like principialní, morální, and etický, and it is often contrasted with words that emphasize pragmatism or flexibility, such as kompromisní or pragmatický. In political or organizational contexts, calling a position zásadový signals valuing ethical standards and consistency, while signaling potential resistance to change.

See also: zásada, princip, principiální, morální zásady.