principal vs principle :

principal or principle

Generations of teachers have tried to drill this one into students’ heads by reminding them, “The principal is your pal.” Many don’t seem convinced. “Principal” is a noun and adjective referring to someone or something which is highest in rank or importance. (In a loan, the principal is the more substantial part of the money, the interest is—or should be—the lesser.) “Principle” is only a noun, and has to do with law or doctrine: “The workers fought hard for the principle of collective bargaining.”

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Definitions

  • n  the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
  • n  the educator who has executive authority for a school
    she sent unruly pupils to see the principal
  • n  an actor who plays a principal role
  • n  capital as contrasted with the income derived from it
  • n  (criminal law) any person involved in a criminal offense, regardless of whether the person profits from such involvement
  • n  the major party to a financial transaction at a stock exchange; buys and sells for his own account
  • s  most important element
    the principal rivers of America
    the principal example

  • n  a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
    their principles of composition characterized all their works
  • n  a rule or standard especially of good behavior
    a man of principle
    he will not violate his principles
  • n  a basic truth or law or assumption
    the principles of democracy
  • n  a rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
    the principle of the conservation of mass
    the principle of jet propulsion
  • n  rule of personal conduct
  • n  (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)
    the principles of internal-combustion engines
News & Articles


  • Liverpool Closing in on Iago Aspas, Agrees ‘in Principle’ to Sign Spanish Forward From Celta Vigo
    Liverpool has agreed to a deal in principle with Celta Vigo for striker Iago Aspas, subject to documentation being completed. Aspas scored 12 goals in 34 games in 2012-13 despite playing for a side threatened with relegation until the final day of the season. During the campaign, he was directly involved in 51 percent of […]
    June 13, 2013 - New England Sports Network
  • Luminous bacterial proteins detect chemicals in water
    Scientists have developed a simple color sensor principle which facilitates the detection of residual medications, trace metals from industrial process waters, and many other substances. This is the concept: If the analyzed sample shines red, then the water is 'clean;' if its color turns green, however, then it contains the substances the scientists wish to detect.
    June 13, 2013 - Science Daily
  • Liverpool Closing in on Iago Aspas, Agrees ‘in Principle’ to Sign Spanish Forward From Celta Vigo
    Liverpool has agreed to a deal in principle with Celta Vigo for striker Iago Aspas, subject to documentation being completed. Aspas scored 12 goals in 34 games in 2012-13 despite playing for a side threatened with relegation until the final day of the season. During the campaign, he was directly involved in 51 percent of […]
    June 13, 2013 - New England Sports Network