Principal: meaning, definitions and examples
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principal
[ ˈprɪnsɪpəl ]
school
The person with the highest authority or most important position in a school.
Synonyms
head teacher, headmaster, headmistress.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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principal |
Commonly used in both American and British English to refer to the head of a school. It can be used for both male and female leaders. Appropriate in formal and informal contexts.
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headmaster |
Typically used in British English to refer specifically to a male head of a school. Often used in the context of private or boarding schools.
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headmistress |
Usually used in British English to describe a female head of a school. Often found in the context of private or boarding schools.
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head teacher |
Predominantly used in British English to refer to the leader of a school. Suitable for both male and female leaders but is more common for use in primary and secondary schools.
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Examples of usage
- The principal announced that there would be a school assembly tomorrow morning.
- The principal is responsible for making important decisions regarding the school's policies and procedures.
finance
The original sum of money invested or loaned.
Synonyms
capital, initial amount.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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principal |
Also used in the context of a leader of an institution, especially schools.
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capital |
Used in business or finance to denote the total wealth or assets that are used to generate income or run operations.
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initial amount |
Simply refers to the starting sum of money in various contexts, such as investments, loans, or budgets.
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Examples of usage
- The principal amount of the loan must be repaid in full by the end of the term.
- The principal invested a large sum of money in the new business venture.
main
First in order of importance; main.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
principal |
Note: This word appears similar to the first one listed. Please recheck the provided list for duplicates or missing terms. |
main |
Best suited for general and less formal contexts. It simply indicates the most important or primary part of something.
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chief |
Utilize in contexts where leadership or highest rank in a group or organization is emphasized. It often denotes authority and is used in titles.
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primary |
Applicable in contexts where the first in order, rank, or importance is being stressed. Common in academic, medical, and formal settings.
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Examples of usage
- The principal reason for the project's failure was poor planning.
- The principal aim of the organization is to promote environmental awareness.
Translations
Translations of the word "principal" in other languages:
🇵🇹 principal
- diretor
- chefe
🇮🇳 प्रधान
- प्रमुख
- प्रधानाचार्य
🇩🇪 Haupt-
- Direktor
- Schulleiter
🇮🇩 utama
- kepala sekolah
- direktur
🇺🇦 основний
- директор
- головний
🇵🇱 główny
- dyrektor
- naczelny
🇯🇵 主な
- 校長
- 主要な
🇫🇷 principal
- directeur
- chef
🇪🇸 principal
- director
- jefe
🇹🇷 ana
- müdür
- baş
🇰🇷 주요한
- 교장
- 주요
🇸🇦 رئيسي
- مدير
- أساسي
🇨🇿 hlavní
- ředitel
- šéf
🇸🇰 hlavný
- riaditeľ
- šéf
🇨🇳 主要的
- 校长
- 主要
🇸🇮 glavni
- direktor
- vodja
🇮🇸 aðal-
- skólastjóri
- yfirmaður
🇰🇿 негізгі
- директор
- басшы
🇬🇪 ძირითადი
- დირექტორი
- უფროსი
🇦🇿 əsas
- direktor
- baş
🇲🇽 principal
- director
- jefe
Etymology
The word 'principal' originated from the Latin word 'principalis', meaning 'first in importance'. It entered the English language in the 14th century with the sense of 'main' or 'chief'. Over time, it developed various meanings related to authority, finance, and importance. The use of 'principal' in the context of school leadership dates back to the 18th century.