Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

precept

/ˈpɹiːsɛpt/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.58 in modern English

Syllables
pre-cept
IPA
/ˈpɹiːsɛpt/
13
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

An order issued by one local authority to another specifying the rate of tax to be charged on its behalf.

British usage

noun

A tax rate set by such an order; the tax thus collected.

British usage

verb

To act as a preceptor; to teach a physician-in-training by supervising their clinical practice.

American usage; Intransitive verb

verb

To teach (something) by precepts.

Obsolete; Transitive verb

Example Sentences

Etymology

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

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: *keh₂p-, praeceptum, prae

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce precept?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈpɹiːsɛpt/.
What does precept mean?
A rule or principle, especially one governing personal conduct.
Where does precept come from?
It is traced to Latin.

How to pronounce precept

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “precept”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈpɹiːsɛpt/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “precept”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “precept” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.