principal
n. countablen. the person in charge of a school or college. In finance, it also means the original amount of money you borrow or invest, not including the interest.
n. the head of an educational institution, such as a primary or secondary school. In a financial context, the original sum of money lent or invested on which interest is paid.
The principal spoke to the students during the morning assembly.
After five years of monthly payments, she finally started to reduce the principal of her student loan.
The school principal implemented a new policy to improve literacy rates, while simultaneously managing the capital principal required for the upcoming campus expansion.
From Middle English principal, from Old French principal, from Latin prīncipālis.
Often confused with 'principle' (a rule or belief). In finance, it is usually treated as a singular noun representing a specific sum.
He is a man of high principals.He is a man of high principles.Learners confuse 'principal' (a person or sum of money) with 'principle' (a moral rule or fundamental truth).