Meaning of Word:
Principal refers to the primary or most important person, thing, or element in a given context. It can describe a person in charge of a school, the head of a company, or the main sum of money in finance.
Definitions and Meaning in English:
- As a noun:
- The head of a school or institution.
- A person who has authority or is in charge, such as the leader of an organization.
- The main amount of money invested or borrowed, excluding interest.
- A key player in a particular action, such as the main character or individual in a transaction or contract.
- As an adjective:
- Most important or primary in rank, value, or significance (e.g., principal objective).
History and Origin:
The word “principal” comes from the Latin principalis, meaning “chief” or “leading,” derived from principium, meaning “beginning” or “origin.” The term has been used in English since the 14th century to denote something or someone of primary importance, particularly in leadership roles.
Detailed Explanation:
“Principal” is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts:
- Person: It refers to someone in charge or holding the highest authority, such as a school principal or a business principal.
- Finance: It represents the original sum of money invested or loaned, distinct from the interest earned or paid.
- Importance: It can also describe the most important item in a group, such as the principal reason for an action or the principal goal in a project.
- Law/Contracts: In legal terms, the principal may refer to the primary party in a contract or transaction.
Example Sentences:
- The principal of the school addressed the students at the assembly.
- The company’s principal investor decided to fund the new project.
- The principal reason for the delay was the weather conditions.
- After five years, the loan payment only covered the interest, not the principal.
- As the principal shareholder, he had the most influence in the company.
- She was the principal dancer in the ballet company.
- The principal objective of the research is to improve the efficiency of the process.
- The principal of the company made a bold decision to expand internationally.
- The principal suspect in the case has been arrested.
Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Chief: The highest-ranking person or thing in importance.
- Head: The leader or top person in an organization.
- Leader: A person who leads or directs others.
- Primary: The most important or main element.
- Major: Of greater importance or significance.
Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Authority: The power to command or lead, closely associated with the principal role.
- Director: A person responsible for managing or overseeing a project or institution, like a school principal.
- Owner: The person who holds the primary interest or control, especially in a business.
- Executor: A person responsible for carrying out the terms of a legal will, acting on behalf of the principal.
- Fund: The principal amount invested or loaned in finance, as opposed to its returns.
More Matches with Short Explanation:
- Founder: The original creator or leader of an organization, closely tied to the principal role.
- Manager: A person who oversees operations, often a principal role in business or institutions.
- Shareholder: A person who owns shares in a company, especially a principal shareholder.
- Stakeholder: A key individual or entity involved in or affected by the outcomes of an organization’s actions.
- Financier: A person who manages large sums of money, particularly the principal of investments.
Antonyms:
- Subordinate: A person who is lower in rank or authority than a principal.
- Follower: Someone who supports or follows another, as opposed to being in a principal position.
- Assistant: A person who helps or supports, typically with less authority than the principal.
- Secondary: Of lesser importance or rank compared to the principal.
- Minor: Not important or significant in comparison to the principal.
