What is principal? Pronunciation and usage in English

principal means . Learn how to pronounce and use principal through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of principal

principaladjective

/ˈprɪnsɪpl/
Definition & pronunciation of principal

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "principal" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's a breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is: ˈprɪn.sə.pəl

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈprɪn: This is the first syllable. The "pr" sounds like "pruh" (like "rub" but with a "p"). The "i" is pronounced like the "i" in "bit."
  • sə: This is a schwa sound – a very short, unstressed vowel sound. It's similar to the "uh" in "about." It doesn't have a distinct vowel sound.
  • pəl: This is the last syllable. The "p" is pronounced like "p." The "əl" is also a schwa sound, essentially just a very slight "uh" sound.

Putting it together: “Pruh-nuh-sel” (roughly)

Here's a helpful breakdown compared to other similar words:

  • Principal (as in head of school): ˈprɪn.sə.pəl
  • Principal (as in main/important): ˈprɪn.sə.pəl (same pronunciation)
  • Principle (as in a rule): /ˈprɪn.sə.pəl/ (same pronunciation – another schwa sound!)

Resources for Hearing It:

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Don't overemphasize the first syllable. It's a schwa sound, so it's quiet.
  • Think of it as "pruh-nuh-sel." This helps with the rhythm.
  • Listen to native speakers and imitate their pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some other words that have similar pronunciation challenges?

Usage and examples with the word principal in English

Let's break down how to use the word "principal" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Principal (as in Head of a School):

  • Meaning: This is the most common understanding of "principal." It refers to the person in charge of a school – the headmaster or headmistress.
  • Example: "Mrs. Davis is the principal of Northwood Elementary School."
  • Synonyms: Headmaster, Headmistress, Rector (often for private schools)

2. Principal (as in Most Important / Chief):

  • Meaning: This refers to the most important or primary thing. It’s about hierarchy and what’s most central.
  • Example: “The principal reason for the delay was the bad weather.” (The main reason)
  • Example: "The principal goal of the project is to increase sales." (The most important goal)
  • Synonyms: Main, primary, key, foremost, central, fundamental.

3. Principal (as in a Financial Document – Check or Invoice):

  • Meaning: In accounting and finance, “principal” refers to the original amount of money borrowed or invested. It's the amount before interest is added.
  • Example: "The principal balance on the loan is $10,000."
  • Example: "The bank charged interest on the principal amount."
  • Synonyms: Original amount, face value.

4. Principal (as in a Legal Principle):

  • Meaning: In law, a "principal" is a party to a contract or agreement. It’s someone who is actively involved.
  • Example: “The principal signed the lease agreement on behalf of the company.”

5. Principal (as in a Chemical Substance - less common):

  • Meaning: In chemistry, "principal" refers to the main or most significant reactant in a chemical reaction. However, this usage is less frequent in everyday conversation.

Here's a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Example
School Head "The principal announced the schedule."
Most Important "The principal factor in his success was hard work."
Financial Amount “The principal amount of the loan was $50,000.”
Legal Agreement “He acted as the principal representative.”

Tips for Using “Principal” Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay close attention to the context of the sentence to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Synonyms: Using a synonym (like “main,” “primary,” or “most important”) can sometimes clarify your meaning, especially if the context might be unclear.

Could you tell me a little more about how you want to use the word "principal" so I can give you even more tailored advice? For example:

  • Are you trying to describe a school?
  • Are you trying to explain something about money?
  • Do you have a specific sentence you're working on?

Synonyms for the word principal

Practice with vocabulary principal

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The school ____ announced new safety measures for the upcoming year.
  2. Adhering to ethical ____ is crucial for maintaining a reputable business image.
  3. A significant portion of your monthly mortgage payment goes towards reducing the ____ amount.
  4. Our ____ objective for this quarter is to secure three new major clients.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words best describes the main person responsible for an organization's success or failure? A) subordinate B) principal C) auxiliary D) secondary E) chief
  2. Which terms refer to a fundamental truth, belief, or rule of conduct? A) principal B) tenet C) precept D) doctrine E) statute
  3. What is the original amount of money invested or borrowed, before interest is added? A) interest B) dividend C) principal D) equity E) yield
  4. Which words can describe the most essential or significant aspect of a plan? A) auxiliary B) primary C) subordinate D) main E) peripheral
  5. In an educational institution, who is typically the head administrator of a high school? A) professor B) dean C) principal D) superintendent E) lecturer

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The primary aim of the new policy is to improve staff well-being. (Use "principal" or a related word form)
  2. The person who leads the local high school introduced new academic initiatives. (Use "principal" or a related word form)
  3. The most significant factor contributing to the project's success was effective team communication. (Do not use "principal", use a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. principal
  2. principles
  3. principal
  4. primary

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) principal, E) chief
  2. B) tenet, C) precept, D) doctrine
  3. C) principal
  4. B) primary, D) main
  5. C) principal

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The principal aim of the new policy is to improve staff well-being.
  2. The school principal introduced new academic initiatives.
  3. The key factor contributing to the project's success was effective team communication.

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