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Principal: meaning, definitions and examples

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principal

 

[ˈprɪnsɪpəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

school

The person with the highest authority or most important position in a school.

Synonyms

head teacher, headmaster, headmistress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
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.

  • The principal announced the new school policy.
  • She is the principal of Lincoln High School.
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.

  • The headmaster gave a speech during the graduation ceremony.
  • As headmaster, he ensured the school maintained high standards.
headmistress

Usually used in British English to describe a female head of a school. Often found in the context of private or boarding schools.

  • The headmistress welcomed the new students.
  • She was the headmistress of St. Mary's School for many years.
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.

  • The head teacher organized the school assembly.
  • Mr. Brown is the head teacher at our school.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

finance

The original sum of money invested or loaned.

Synonyms

capital, initial amount.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
principal

Also used in the context of a leader of an institution, especially schools.

  • The principal of the school addressed the students during assembly.
  • She was promoted to the role of principal at the high school.
capital

Used in business or finance to denote the total wealth or assets that are used to generate income or run operations.

  • The company needs to raise more capital to expand its operations.
  • Venture capital is often used to fund startups.
initial amount

Simply refers to the starting sum of money in various contexts, such as investments, loans, or budgets.

  • An initial amount of $5,000 was needed to open the savings account.
  • They deposited an initial amount of $1,000 into the new project.

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.
Context #3 | Adjective

main

First in order of importance; main.

Synonyms

chief, main, primary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The main reason for the delay was the traffic
  • The main entrance is around the corner
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.

  • The chief executive officer made the final decision
  • The fire chief coordinated the emergency response
primary

Applicable in contexts where the first in order, rank, or importance is being stressed. Common in academic, medical, and formal settings.

  • Their primary goal is to improve education
  • The primary symptom of the illness is a fever

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'principalis', meaning 'first' or 'chief'.
  • In the Middle Ages, the term referred to the head of a school or college.
  • The use of 'principal' to denote school leadership became common in English by the 16th century.

Education

  • Many principals have teaching backgrounds and often started as teachers before moving into administration.
  • The role of a principal varies widely across countries and educational systems, reflecting local cultures and practices.
  • Some schools have co-principals or shared leadership structures, promoting collaborative decision-making.

Psychology

  • Studies show that effective principals can significantly influence student achievement and school climate.
  • The principal's leadership style (authoritative, participative, etc.) affects teacher morale and performance.
  • Research indicates that a principal's emotional intelligence plays a key role in resolving conflicts and fostering a positive environment.

Pop Culture

  • In films and TV shows, principals are often depicted as disciplinarians or comical figures, shaping public perception.
  • Famous movies feature principals in various roles, like in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', showcasing the challenges of school leadership.
  • Books like 'The Principal's Office' series highlight the daily lives and struggles of school leaders.

Leadership

  • Successful principals are often seen as community leaders, advocating for their students and schools.
  • Principals are sometimes involved in policymaking, influencing educational reform at local and national levels.
  • Their role extends into mentoring teachers, fostering professional development, and improving instructional strategies.

Translations

Translations of the word "principal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 principal

🇮🇳 प्रधान

🇩🇪 Haupt-

🇮🇩 utama

🇺🇦 основний

🇵🇱 główny

🇯🇵 主な

🇫🇷 principal

🇪🇸 principal

🇹🇷 ana

🇰🇷 주요한

🇸🇦 رئيسي

🇨🇿 hlavní

🇸🇰 hlavný

🇨🇳 主要的

🇸🇮 glavni

🇮🇸 aðal-

🇰🇿 негізгі

🇬🇪 ძირითადი

🇦🇿 əsas

🇲🇽 principal

Word Frequency Rank

At #826 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.