Noun: rule vs. principle vs. regulation

[Anna.ha]

Could anyone please show me how I can distinguish and use them properly? If they are different among them, I'd live you to give me some examples.

Thanks

[Maryann]

1. rule, principle
usage: a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct; "their principles of composition characterized all their works"
2. principle
usage: a rule or standard especially of good behavior; "a man of principle"; "he will not violate his principles"; a basic truth or law or assumption; "the principles of democracy";
3. principle, rule, law
usage: a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system; "the principle of the conservation of mass"; "the right-hand rule for inductive fields";
4. principle, rule
usage: rule of personal conduct;
5. rule, regulation
usage: a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior; "it was his rule to take a walk before breakfast"; "short haircuts were the regulation";
6. regulation
usage: the state of being controlled or governed; the act of controlling or directing according to rule; "fiscal regulations are in the hands of politicians"

As we can see one word explains another. For distinguishing them easier we must remember that "rule" is used more in colloquial speech: "as a rule, "golden rule", ''make ir a rule to do something", "rule smth out"; unlike others.

[Anna.ha]

So what about "discipline", which I have recalled recently. Please shed some light, Marryan?

Thanks

[Cerberus™]

That is a very helpful overview Maryann gave, kudos to her!

- A general may maintain discipline in his army: he makes sure that the soldiers control their own behaviour such that they follow the rules and obey his commands. A typical lack of discipline is when a soldier is late for the roll call or doesn't keep his uniform neat and clean.
- You have self-discipline if you are able to control yourself so much that you reach your goals. If your thoughts keep wandering off while you should be studying or if you go to parties instead of finishing that paper, you have little self-discipline.

- A discipline is also a branch of knowledge and/or practice.