principal
Definitions
First in importance; main; chief
主要的，首要的
The head of a school
校长
A sum of money lent or invested, on which interest is paid
本金
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin princeps = prim- (first) + cip- (a form of capere, 'to take') = 'one who takes first place.' The princeps was the leading citizen of Rome — the one who 'takes the first share.' So principal means first-ranking: the principal reason, the principal of a school (the chief person), the principal of a loan (the main, original sum, before interest). Heads-up: principal (main) is NOT the same word as principle (a rule).
Root prim still carries 18 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.principal reason主要原因
- 2.school principal学校校长
- 3.principal amount本金金额
Example Sentences
- 1.
The principal reason for the delay was bad weather.
- 2.
The school principal welcomed the new students.
- 3.
Each payment reduces the principal as well as the interest.
Easily Confused
principal vs principle — the classic trap. principal = main / a school head / the original loan amount (it can be an adjective or a noun about people, schools, or money). principle = a fundamental rule or belief, and is ALWAYS a noun. Memory hook: the principal is your 'pal' (the friendly head of school), and a princip-AL describes the main thing; a princip-LE is a ruLE you live by.