Principal meaning: Define principal

Define principal . principal synonyms, principal pronunciation, principal translation, English dictionary definition of principal . main; foremost; the person in charge: the school principal ; a capital sum Not to be confused with: principle – essential quality; law; moral rule: true to... Principle and principal are often confused but have distinct meanings. Principle refers to a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. For example, one common principle in many cultures is treating others as you want to be treated. On the other hand, principal mainly refers to the most important or first in order of importance. It can be used to describe a person, like the principal of a school, or a thing, such as the principal amount ... The word "principal" originates from the Latin word "principalis," meaning " first in importance " or "chief." It first appeared in the English language around the 14th century, often describing a leading figure or authority. Learn the meaning of principal as an adjective, noun, and money term in English. Find out how to use principal in different contexts, such as school, law, finance, and business, with examples and synonyms.