first principles
The term "first principles" refers to the most basic and foundational concepts or assumptions in any field of study, serving as the starting point for reasoning and understanding.
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Definition
C1General
(academic, technical)The most basic and foundational assumptions or truths that serve as the starting point for reasoning or understanding.
Example
- To solve this problem, we need to go back to first principles and rethink our approach.
- Understanding first principles is crucial for any scientific investigation.
C1Problem-Solving
(technical, academic)Breaking down complex problems into their most essential elements to build solutions from the ground up.
Example
- By using first principles, the engineer was able to design a more efficient system.
- First principles thinking can lead to innovative solutions that others might overlook.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "first principles":