Principle / Principal

This section of Exploring English describes usage of the English words 'principle' and 'principal'.

Principle is a noun meaning "standard or rule of personal conduct." [CED]:

Honesty as a principle has its own rewards.

Principal is an adjective meaning " of the first rank or importance":

Karen Kain was the principal dancer of the Canadian National Ballet.

Principal is also used as a noun meaning "the head of a group, etc.":

The Principal spoke to us in the auditorium.

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Last Modified April 08, 2003