Word
principal
Phoneticsprin·ci·pal, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹɪnsəpəɫ/
UK/pɹˈɪnsɪpəl/
Definitions
01most important
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. the most important or main part of something.
adj. first in order of importance; main or primary.
日本語:主要※
Español:principal
“The principal reason for the meeting was to discuss the new budget.”
“The principal challenge facing the research team was the lack of consistent funding over the three-year period.”
Pitfall
The principle reason for the delay was rain.
The principal reason for the delay was rain.
Use 'principal' for the most important thing; 'principle' refers to a rule or belief.
02head of a school
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. the person in charge of a school or college.
n. the head of a school or an administrative officer in a university.
日本語:校長※
“The principal spoke to the students during the morning assembly.”
“The principal implemented a new disciplinary policy after consulting with both the faculty and the parent-teacher association.”
03loan amount
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Finance Technical
n. the original amount of money you borrow or invest, not including the interest.
n. the capital sum of a debt or investment, as distinguished from interest or profit.
日本語:元金※
“Most of his monthly payment goes toward the interest rather than the principal.”
“The borrower requested a restructuring of the loan to reduce the monthly payments on the principal amount.”
Antonyms
04lead performer
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Theater Formal
n. a person who has a leading role in a play, film, or ballet.
n. a performer who takes a leading part in a theatrical or dance production.
“She was promoted to principal dancer after her amazing performance in Swan Lake.”
“The principals of the opera company were praised for their vocal range and dramatic presence during the opening night.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
05legal party
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Technical · Formal
n. a person who gives someone else the power to act for them in business or law.
n. a person or entity on whose behalf an agent or attorney acts.
“The agent must always act in the best interest of the principal.”
“The contract clearly defines the fiduciary duties owed by the agent to the principal in all real estate transactions.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “principal” in context.
Adjective
01. principal aim
“The principal aim of this project is to reduce carbon emissions in the city.”
adj + noun
02. principal cause
“Heavy rainfall was identified as the principal cause of the flooding.”
adj + noun
03. principal component
“Trust is a principal component of any successful long-term relationship.”
adj + noun
04. principal factor
“Cost is often the principal factor when choosing a new car.”
adj + noun
05. principal feature
“The principal feature of the new phone is its high-resolution camera.”
adj + noun
06. principal investigator
“Dr. Smith served as the principal investigator for the clinical trial.”
adj + noun
07. principal method
“Surveys remain the principal method for gathering public opinion data.”
adj + noun
08. principal problem
“The principal problem with the plan is the lack of sufficient funding.”
adj + noun
09. principal reason
“Her principal reason for moving was to be closer to her family.”
adj + noun
10. principal source
“The sun is the principal source of energy for all life on Earth.”
adj + noun
Confusables
Principal is an adjective meaning main or a noun for a leader, while principle is always a noun meaning a fundamental rule or belief.
RememberThe Principal is your pal; a principle is a rule.
Real-World Examples
“As U.S.–based space companies, with SpaceX principal among them, receive billions in taxpayer-funded contracts , their environmental effects both on and beyond Earth will grow.” “As U.S.-based space companies, principal among them SpaceX, receive billions in taxpayer-funded contracts , their environmental effects both on and beyond Earth will grow.” “When given a choice between two parents, approximately 60% of school principals contact mothers, not fathers, to discuss matters related to their children.” Etymology
From Middle English principal, from Old French principal, from Latin prīncipālis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/principal
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0