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Principal Principle
Meaning:Adjective - Main; Primary; most important in a group.Noun - A fundamental assumption; a rule of law or nature; a moral rule.

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[edit] Summary

Principal (adjective or noun) conveys the meaning of "primary" or "chief" - like [as adjective] the principal aim of a series of tasks,or [as noun] the principal of a school.  It is also used as the chief part of a loan (i.e., not the interest), as in apply the extra $50 in this month's mortgage payment toward the principal.

Principle (noun [only!]) is a rule, law or general truth. The principles of mathematics

These words are sources of confusion for even well-versed minds. Some phrases that can help you remember the difference are:

  • The principal alphabetic principle places A before E.
  • The school princiPAL is my PAL.

Some writers focus on the distinction that principles can be used in the plural, but principal usually only in the singular form. This strategy, when used as a quick rule, often leads to errors. The plural "principals" is appropriate when writing about several individuals who each have a primary role, whose position of primacy does not conflict with another's similar position.

"The theater company honored the principals." (i.e., their lead actors)

"The school principals gathered for a meeting, but the superintendent did not come."

[edit] Definitions

Principal

adjective

  • first or highest in rank, importance, value, etc.; chief; foremost.

noun

  • a chief or head of an organization
  • something of primary importance
  • Law. a person who authorizes another (an agent) to represent him or her
  • Finance. a capital sum, the main amount of a loan or investment (as distinguished from interest or profit)

Principle noun

  • a fundamental assumption. The principles of physics dictate that you cannot travel faster than the speed of light.
  • a generally acceptable rule of action or behaviour. moral principles

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Comments: Principal vs Principle  [Add Comments]
Comments on Principal vs. Principle
The primary amount owed on a loan is Principal (not Principle)
- by 24.17.98.112 on 2009-03-18 18:43:00
"Principle" is also the correct spelling for the primary amount owed on a loan, although from your definition, one might believe this is "principal." This definition of "principle" is not included in your definitions at all.
- by 69.150.86.213 on 2009-03-13 15:03:22