Skip to content

précepte

precept, maxim

noun preh-SEPT Rare

Origin: From Latin 'praeceptum' (rule, instruction).

Usage Note

Précepte denotes a guiding rule or moral principle, often of a philosophical or religious nature. It is more formal and elevated in register than règle (rule) or conseil (advice). A précepteur is a private tutor, sharing the same Latin root idea of instruction.

Examples

"Il suivait les préceptes de son maître avec rigueur."

Natural Translation

He followed his master's precepts with rigour.

Free starter pack

Building your French vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Explore French by topic