'principle-oriented' is a compound word formed from 'principle' and 'oriented'. 'Principle' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'principium', meaning 'beginning' or 'foundation'. 'Oriented' comes from the Latin 'orientare', meaning 'to arrange' or 'to direct'.

'Principle' evolved from the Old French 'principe', and 'oriented' from the French 'orienter'. The combination into 'principle-oriented' reflects a modern English usage to describe a focus on foundational values.

Initially, 'principle' meant 'beginning' or 'foundation', but in modern usage, it refers to fundamental truths or propositions. 'Oriented' has maintained its meaning of direction or alignment.