How do you use the word "precept" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "precept": An ounce of practice is worth a pound of precept. Example is better than precept.

Precept

/ˈpɹiːsɛpt/

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

nounA rule or principle, especially one governing personal conduct.

nounA written command, especially a demand for payment.

Sentence Examples

An ounce of practice is worth a pound of precept.

Example is better than precept.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms:

principle commandment

Antonyms:

None

CEFR Practice Quiz

The golden rule is a moral ____ that is taught in many cultures.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

The school operated according to the ____ that every child deserves equal opportunity to succeed.

Word Origin & History

Borrowed from Late Latin praeceptum, form of praecipiō (“to teach”), from Latin prae (“pre-”) + capiō (“take”).

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"By Heav’ns, ſuch Virtues, join’d with ſuch Succeſs, Diſtract my very Soul: Our Father’s Fortune Wou’d almoſt tempt us to renounce his Precepts." — 1712 (date written), [Joseph] Addison, Cato, a Tragedy. […], London: […] J[acob] Tonson, […], published 1713, →OCLC, Act I, scene i, page 2:

"He found a people in the extreme of barbarism living in caves, feeding upon the bloody flesh of animals they killed in hunting; he taught them many things, so that by his example, and for generations after he left them by his precepts, they advanced to high civilization." — 1891, Susan Hale, Mexico (The Story of the Nations), volume 27, London: T. Fisher Unwin, page 80:

"I need hardly point out that Pinker doesn't really believe anything of what he writes, at least if example is stronger evidence of belief than precept." — 2006, Theodore Dalrymple, The Gift of Language:

"The Parish Council is financed by raising a small levy - the precept - on all residential properties within the parish." — 2019, “Medstead Parish Council”, in Medstead Parish Council website, archived from the original on 07 Jul 2019:

"New parish [councils] and town councils are formed every year. But the National Association of Local Councils, which represents them, says an unusual number are in the works now. […] Higher-level councils, swamped by chunky issues such as homelessness and children in care, are often happy to hand responsibilities down. Higher-level local authorities must normally hold a referendum if they want to raise taxes by more than 5% a year—something they almost never dare to do. Town and parish councils, which are funded largely through “precepts” on tax bills, face no such restrictions. As their numbers and responsibilities swell, the amount of money flowing to them is growing. Precepts raised £856m ($1.2bn) in 2024-25, a rise of 60% in real terms since 2010-11. […] the government has only itself to blame for the swelling numbers and powers of low-level councils. Its reforms are creating local authorities that are far too large to be truly local. Town councils are its baby." — 2026 February 1, “Why lots of English towns are creating puny local governments: Mad for parish councils”, in The Economist:

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