principle vs rule

principle and rule both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
principle	Yes	No	No	No
rule	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, principle and rule are synonyms defined as:

principle and rule: a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

As nouns, principle and rule are synonyms defined as:

principle and rule: a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system

As nouns, rule is a hypernym of principle; that is, rule is a word with a broader meaning than principle:

Other hypernyms of principle include prescript.

principle (noun)	rule (noun)
a basic truth or law or assumption	measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths
a rule or standard especially of good behavior	a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
(law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)	something regarded as a normative example
a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct	a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system	a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
rule of personal conduct	(mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems
	prescribed guide for conduct or action
	(linguistics) a rule describing (or prescribing) a linguistic practice
	directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted
	any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order
	dominance or power through legal authority
	the duration of a monarch's or government's power

principle (verb)	rule (verb)
	keep in check
	decide with authority
	decide on and make a declaration about
	mark or draw with a ruler
	exercise authority over; as of nations
	be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
	have an affinity with; of signs of the zodiac