Positive character trait
Principled
Guided by strong and fair moral standards.
4 ready sentencesUpdated Run by Adrian Nutiu
What it looks like
- Keeps to their values when it costs them money, status or popularity.
- Can explain the principle behind a decision.
- Applies the same standard to themselves as to others.
Fits when choices remain aligned with stated moral standards under pressure
Not when the person is rigid about a preference that carries no ethical weight
How to say it
Replace the brackets with what the person actually did.
Resume line Declined [unsafe or noncompliant request], proposed [alternative], and delivered [result] within the rules.
Reference or recommendation [Name] is principled: when asked to [cut a corner], they declined, explained why, and found a way that worked.
Report card comment [Name] stands up for what is right, even when it is not the popular choice.
In a story, shown not told He turned down the bonus and wrote one line in reply: "Not on those terms."
Her principled refusal cost the firm a contract but protected the client's privacy.
The definition and the sentences are written for this site; dictionaries are used to check the sense.How words are chosen and reviewed.