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  What it means

  Literally “for the principle,” this phrase means “on principle” or “as a matter of principle.” It describes doing or refusing to do something not for practical reasons, but out of a firm personal or moral rule. For example: “Nie kłamię, nawet dla żartu — robię to dla zasady” — “I don’t lie, even as a joke — I do it on principle.” It often implies a degree of stubbornness or moral conviction.

  Vocabulary

  • dla — for (preposition + genitive)
  • zasada — principle, rule
  • zasady — principle (genitive of zasada)

  Grammar note

  The preposition 'dla' always takes the genitive case in Polish. Here 'zasady' is the genitive singular of the feminine noun 'zasada.' The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier and can stand alone ('Robię to dla zasady') or precede a clause.

  Cultural context

  This is a neutral, slightly formal phrase that crosses into everyday conversation. It carries connotations of integrity but can also imply inflexibility. A very close English parallel is 'on principle' or 'as a matter of principle.' It appears often in ethical or political discussions.

  Intermediate

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