principle of charity

proper noun

The principle according to which an argument should be evaluated in light of its best, strongest possible interpretation.

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Meanings

proper nounthe principle of charity
  1. rhetorichuman sciencesThe principle according to which an argument should be evaluated in light of its best, strongest possible interpretation.

Origin

Coined by Neil L. Wilson in the late 1950s.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Finnish suopeuden periaate
  • suopeuden periaateprinciple
French principe de charité
  • principe de charitéprinciple
Polish zasada wielkoduszności
  • zasada wielkodusznościprinciple
Cite this entry
APA

principle of charity. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/principle%20of%20charity

MLA

“principle of charity.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/principle%20of%20charity. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “principle of charity,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/principle%20of%20charity.

Source: principle of charity on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.