Meaning & Definition of Principal in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A person who has controlling authority; a head or leader.

  Example Sentence: The principal of the school addressed the students during the assembly.

• Definition: The amount of money borrowed or invested, excluding interest.

  Example Sentence: She paid off the principal on her loan ahead of schedule.

• Definition: A person for whom another acts as an agent; the party who authorizes someone to act on their behalf.

  Example Sentence: The agent acted on behalf of the principal in the real estate transaction.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin 'principalis', meaning 'chief, principal', from 'princeps' meaning 'first, chief, leader'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• principal investigator: The lead researcher or individual responsible for the conduct of a research project.
• principal amount: The original sum of money borrowed or invested, before interest.
• principal office: The main or primary office of a business or organization.

Translations

• Spanish: principal

• French: principal

• German: Direktor

• Russian: директор

Related Words

• principality: A state or territory ruled by a prince or princess.

• principled: Acting according to moral principles.

• prince: A male royal family member, often the son of a king.

Slang Meanings of principal

• Meaning: The boss or head person in charge.

  Example Sentence: He's the principal around here, so you need to get his approval.

• Meaning: The primary or main focus.

  Example Sentence: Our principal aim is to increase sales this quarter.