zásadami

Zásadami is the instrumental plural form of the Czech noun zásada, meaning a fundamental rule, principle, or basis. In Czech, this form is used mainly in formal or academic language to describe actions or conduct that are guided by certain principles. It is typically found after verbs that express adherence or reliance, such as řídit se zásadami (to act according to principles) or vymezovat se zásadami (to define oneself by principles).

Usage and nuance

Zásadami is most often encountered in contexts where principles function as a framework for decision making, evaluation, or behavior. The instrumental form emphasizes the means by which actions are organized or justified, rather than merely naming the principles themselves. In everyday writing, the nominative zásady (principles) or the genitive zásad (of principles) is more common; zásadami appears in more formal or technical prose.

Domains and examples

Principles play a central role across ethics, law, governance, and organizational life. Ethical discourse might refer to moral principles; legal writing may discuss constitutional or guiding principles of a state; organizational texts often state its core operating principles or guiding principles. The term is flexible enough to appear in philosophy, journalism, education, and public policy.

Related terms

Zásady is the nominative plural; zásadami is the instrumental plural. Synonyms or near equivalents include principy (loanword from Polish or English-influenced Czech usage) and zásady (principles) in more general contexts. Morally or philosophically oriented phrases typical in Czech include zásady morální, zásady právní, and zásady čestného jednání.