This is a free sample from the e-book 600+ Confusing English Words Explained. It will help clear up your doubts about how to use English words correctly, so that you can speak and write more confidently. Click here for more information!PRINCIPLE (noun)
A principle is a fundamental idea, belief, philosophy, or rule:
- My daughter is learning the basic principles of physics in her science class.
- Power in the hands of the people is one of the key principles of democracy.
- He would never steal from the company – he’s a man of high principles.
PRINCIPAL (noun, adjective)
The word principal has three meanings:
1. As an adjective: the main or most important
- The lake is the principal water source for the city.
2. As a noun: the director of an elementary, middle, or high school
- Students who misbehave are sent to the principal’s office.
3. As a noun (finance): the original amount of a debt (not counting the interest – the extra money that accumulates over time as the debt is not paid):
- At a 10% interest rate, a principal of $1,000 will accumulate $100 of interest.
