principal
/ˈprɪnsəpl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈprɪnsəpl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl -sə-bəl/ (ame, mw) · /ˈprɪn.sə.pəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈprɪn.sə.pəl/ (ame, ipa)
principal — adjective
- principalpositive
- more principalcomparative
- most principalsuperlative
1. The most important, or the one that matters more than all others in a particular
The most important, or the one that matters more than all others in a particular situation.
The principal reason for the meeting was to discuss the school's new building plans.
collocation: principal reason
Good health was the principal goal of Lakshmi's new exercise routine.
collocation: principal goal / principal objective
Pim's principal concern was finding an affordable apartment near the university.
The principal advantage of this method is that it saves a lot of time.
文法句型
principal + noun
常見錯誤
principal — noun
- principalsingular
- principalsplural
1. The person with the highest position in a school for children, who manages the t
The person with the highest position in a school for children, who manages the teachers, staff, and daily operations.
The principal of Greenfield Elementary School announced a new reading programme for students.
collocation: principal of [school]
Niran's parents had a meeting with the principal to discuss his progress in maths.
The school principal welcomed all the new families on the first day of term.
Beatriz waited outside the principal's office to ask about the science club.
Our principal has taught at three different schools over the past twenty years.
- headteacher
British term; more common in UK schools than 'principal'
- headmaster / headmistress
traditional British terms, often for private schools
文法句型
the principal
principal of + school
用法筆記
In the US and UK, 'principal' is the standard term for the head of an elementary, middle, or high school. In British English, 'headteacher' or 'head' is also common.
常見錯誤
2. The person leading a higher education institution, such as a college, who overse
The person leading a higher education institution, such as a college, who oversees academic programmes and institutional management.
The principal of St Anne's College gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.
collocation: principal of [college]
Ayana applied for a scholarship and received a letter from the university principal.
The college principal approved the plan to build a new library on campus.
Dahlia's uncle served as the principal of a music conservatory in London for ten years.
- president
the standard US term for the head of a university
- chancellor
used in some UK and US institutions, often as the ceremonial head
文法句型
the principal
principal of + college/university
用法筆記
This sense is most common in the UK, where many colleges and some constituent colleges of universities are led by a 'principal'. In the US, the head of a university is typically called a 'president' or 'chancellor'.
常見錯誤
3. The original sum invested, lent, or borrowed, before adding any interest or prof
The original sum invested, lent, or borrowed, before adding any interest or profit earned on it.
Jack deposited a large principal in a savings account that earns five percent interest yearly.
collocation: principal + in + account
After five years, Pedro had earned enough interest to almost double his original principal.
collocation: original principal
The loan agreement stated clearly how the borrower must repay the principal within fifteen years.
Yara's financial advisor recommended keeping the principal safe instead of chasing high-risk returns.
Each monthly payment covers part of the principal plus the interest on the remaining balance.
- capital
a broader term that can include assets and wealth, not just the original sum
- principal sum
more formal; used in legal and financial documents
- interest
the money earned or paid on the principal amount
文法句型
the principal
principal + noun
principal of + amount
用法筆記
Common in financial contexts such as bank accounts, loans, mortgages, and investments. Do not confuse with 'interest' — the principal is the base amount; interest is what the principal earns or costs.