central tenet
Key guiding principle
A central tenet is a core belief or principle that forms the foundation of a philosophy, religion, or system of thought.
The phrase emphasizes that this particular belief is not peripheral but essential—remove it, and the whole structure changes: A central tenet of democracy is that power derives from the people.
Often used when explaining or critiquing ideologies.
- core beliefCentral guiding conviction
- fundamentalForming the base
- doctrineEstablished body of teachings
- guiding principleRule that directs conduct
- principleFundamental truth or standard
creed · dogma · first principle · pillar · foundation · cornerstone · golden rule · cardinal rule · axiom · conviction · gospel · bedrock · mantra · guiding light · moral compass · sacred · truth · philosophy
central tenetminor detail
Insignificant specific element
footnote · afterthought · minor point · side issue · fine print
central, tenet, center, centre, centrally, centrality, centralize, centralized, centralizing