principle
noun
prin·ci·ple
ˈprin(t)-s(ə-)pəl
-sə-bəl
Principle vs. Principal: Usage Guide
Evidence of confusion between principle and principal can be found even in publications overseen by professional editors. To keep these words straight, remember that principle functions only as a noun, and in its most common uses refers to a basic rule or law, as in
a guiding principle
or
a matter of principle.
If you are looking for an adjective form of this word, you must use principled, as in
taking a principled stand.
Principal functions as both a noun and an adjective. The noun has various meanings referring to someone with controlling authority
the school principal
or in a leading position
the ballet's two principals
, but also has meanings relating to finance, law, and architecture. As an adjective, principal typically means "most important," as in
the principal reason.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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