precepts
Rules to follow
Precepts are rules or principles that guide conduct or action.
The word carries a formal, often moral or religious tone: the precepts of Buddhism, ethical precepts.
A precept differs from advice in being more authoritative—closer to a command than a suggestion.
Legal precepts are written orders issued by courts or other authorities.
Authoritative rules demanding compliance
- principlesFoundational moral beliefs
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
- conscienceInternal moral sense
righteousness · duty · ethics · morality · decency · honesty · justice · responsibility
Succinct statements of truth
- axiomsAccepted starting principles
- tenetsFoundational beliefs of doctrine
- doctrinesCodified belief systems
- principlesFoundational moral beliefs
aphorisms · dictums · postulates · propositions · teachings · wisdom · ethics · stoicism
Authoritative rules demanding compliance
- dharmaCosmic moral order
- mitzvotJewish religious commandments
- shariaMuslim canonical jurisprudence
- canonAccepted authoritative works
scripture · doctrine · dogma · tenets · teachings · observance · piety · devotion
Formally enacted laws
- regulationsEnforced rules and standards
- ordinancesLocal government rules
- bylawsOrganization's internal regulations
- decreesOfficial orders with force
edicts · directives · mandates · provisions · canons · codes · protocols · guidelines
Transmitted knowledge or principles
- instructionGuidance for action
- counselExpert guidance offered
- directionWay something faces
- mentorshipGuidance from experienced person
discipline · training · formation · doctrine · admonition · exhortation · advice · wisdom
commandments
Authoritative rules demanding compliance
- principlesFoundational moral beliefs
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
conscience · righteousness · duty · ethics · morality · decency · honesty · justice · responsibility · altruism
maxims
Succinct statements of truth
- axiomsAccepted starting principles
- tenetsFoundational beliefs of doctrine
- doctrinesCodified belief systems
principles · aphorisms · dictums · postulates · propositions · teachings · wisdom · ethics · stoicism · categorical imperative
commandments
Authoritative rules demanding compliance
canon · scripture · doctrine · dogma · tenets · teachings · observance · piety · devotion · faith
statutes
Formally enacted laws
- regulationsEnforced rules and standards
- ordinancesLocal government rules
- bylawsOrganization's internal regulations
decrees · edicts · directives · mandates · provisions · canons · codes · protocols · guidelines · policies
teachings
Transmitted knowledge or principles
- instructionGuidance for action
- counselExpert guidance offered
- directionWay something faces
mentorship · discipline · training · formation · doctrine · admonition · exhortation · advice · wisdom · enlightenment
- Buddhist Practicepuja, dana, prostration, prostrations, bowing
- Theravada BuddhismTheravada, sutta, Vinaya, vinaya, monks
- Buddhist servicedana, almsgiving, alms giving, alms, meditation aid
- proverbsproverbs, sayings, maxims, adages, aphorisms
- beliefsbelief, beliefs, creed, creeds, faith
- folk wisdomproverb, folklore, folk sayings, saying, proverbs
preceptssuggestions
Proposed ideas or advice
impulses · recommendations · hints · tips · advice
preceptspractices
Repeated training sessions
actions · exceptions · violations · transgressions · behaviors
- moral preceptsRules governing right conduct