Principal

Definition

Principal can refer to "a person who has controlling authority" or "being the most important or consequential".

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈprɪnsəpəl/
• Respelling: PRIN-suh-puhl (with "PRIN" as in "prince," "suh" as in "bus," and "puhl" as in "pull")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈprɪnsɪpəl/
• Respelling: PRIN-si-puhl (with "PRIN" as in "prince," "si" as in "sit," and "puhl" as in "pull")

In both dialects, "principal" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, "PRIN." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "PRIN" part.

Etymology

The term "principal" originates from the Old French "principal", from the Latin "principalis", meaning "first in importance", which is derived from "princeps", meaning "first, chief".

Derivatives

• Principally
• Principalship
• Principalness (rare)
• Principality
• Principalize (rare)

Synonyms

• Chief
• Main
• Foremost

Antonyms

• Secondary
• Subordinate
• Auxiliary

Usage

"Principal" can refer to the leader of a school or an amount of money that was originally invested, excluding the earnings it has accrued. When used as an adjective, it typically means primary or main.

Related Terms

• Capital
• Headmaster/Headmistress
• Interest (financial context)
• Predominant
• Leading

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The head or director of a school or institution.
• Example: "The principal announced a new set of rules for the academic year."

• The original sum of money lent or invested, on which interest is paid.
• Example: "The loan has been paid off, but the interest on the principal still remains."

• A leading performer in a concert or show.
• Example: "She was the principal dancer in the ballet."

Adjective

• First in order of importance; chief.
• Example: "The principal reason for the trip was for business."

• Of, relating to, or being a principal (as of a school).
• Example: "She took on the principal role in the organization."