Principal vs. Principle: Understanding the Difference

Last updated on September 22, 2024 by Liam Daniel

English has many words that sound the same but have different meanings, which can sometimes be tricky. “Principal” and “principle” are examples of this.

At first glance, these two words might seem very similar. Their meanings and usage are quite different. The following information will help you learn when to use each word correctly.

Principal vs. Principle: Learn the Difference!

Key Distinctions:

  • Principal:
    • Noun: Refers to the head of a school or organization, or a significant sum of money.
      • Example: “The principal greeted the students.”
    • Adjective: Refers to something of primary importance.
      • Example: “Her principal concern is safety.”
    • Financial: Refers to the original sum of money.
      • Example: “She paid down the loan’s principal.”
  • Principle:
    • Noun: Refers to a basic rule, belief, or truth.
      • Example: “He has strong moral principles.”
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Principal vs. Principle: Definition, Usage and Examples

Principal:

  • Meaning: Refers to someone or something of primary importance, or the head of a school or organization. It can also refer to the original amount of money in financial terms.
  • Use: Functions as both a noun and an adjective.
  • Examples:
    • Noun: “The principal of the school gave a speech.”
    • Adjective: “The principal reason for the delay is the weather.”
    • Financial Term: “She paid off the loan’s principal.”
  • Explanation: “Principal” can refer to a person in authority, something primary or important, or the original sum of money in finance.

Principle (Noun):

  • Meaning: Refers to a fundamental truth, rule, or belief that serves as a foundation for a system or behavior.
  • Use: Always used as a noun when talking about rules, ethics, or laws.
  • Examples:
    • “Honesty is an important principle in life.”
    • “The organization operates on the principle of equality.”
  • Explanation: “Principle” refers to moral beliefs, rules, or fundamental laws that guide behavior or reasoning.

Principal vs. Principle: Common Mistakes

Using “principle” instead of “principal” for a person:

  • Incorrect: “The principle of the school gave an award.”
  • Correct: “The principal of the school gave an award.”
  • Explanation: “Principal” is the correct noun for a person in authority.

Using “principal” instead of “principle” for a rule or belief:

  • Incorrect: “He follows the principal of fairness.”
  • Correct: “He follows the principle of fairness.”
  • Explanation: “Principle” is the correct word when referring to a belief or rule.

Quick Tips:

  • Use “principal” for a person in charge, something of primary importance, or financial terms.
  • Use “principle” when referring to rules, beliefs, or fundamental truths.

Principal vs. Principle: Practice and Exercises

Fill in the blank 

  1. The __________ of the school addressed the students during the assembly.
  2. Honesty is an important __________ that she lives by.
  3. The __________ amount of the loan does not include the interest.
  4. The scientific __________ behind the experiment was sound.
  5. As the __________ actor, he had the most lines to memorize.
  6. The __________ of aerodynamics are crucial for aircraft design.
  7. She was awarded the __________ of the year for her outstanding leadership.
  8. The __________ reason for the company’s success is its customer service.
  9. He explained the basic __________ of the legal system to the jury.
  10. The __________ of the fund receives a higher percentage of the profits.

Answer with Explanation 

  1. Answer: principal
    • Explanation: “Principal” in this context refers to the head of a school.
  2. Answer: principle
    • Explanation: “Principle” refers to a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.
  3. Answer: principal
    • Explanation: “Principal” here means the original sum of money lent or invested, excluding any interest or profit.
  4. Answer: principle
    • Explanation: “Principle” is used to describe a fundamental truth that serves as the base for a system of belief, in this case, scientific reasoning.
  5. Answer: principal
    • Explanation: “Principal” as an adjective means first in order of importance; the main actor.
  6. Answer: principles
    • Explanation: “Principles” are fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for a system, in this case, the science of aerodynamics.
  7. Answer: principal
    • Explanation: “Principal” in this context is used as a noun to describe the head of a school or organization.
  8. Answer: principal
    • Explanation: “Principal” as an adjective means the most important; the main reason.
  9. Answer: principles
    • Explanation: “Principles” refer to the fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for a system, in this case, the legal system.
  10. Answer: principal
    • Explanation: “Principal” here is used in a financial context to mean the person who has a primary position in a transaction, receiving a higher profit share.
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