Confusable pair · B2
Principal or principle?
Principle is always a noun and always means a rule or a belief: a matter of principle. Principal is usually an adjective meaning main, and as a noun it is the head of a school or a sum of money. A useful memory hook: a principle is a rule, and both end in -le.
Which word, and why
- principal
main; or the head of a school; or a sum of money
First in importance, or the person in charge, or the original amount lent.
the principal reason · the school principal · principal and interest
- principle
a rule or a belief — always a noun
A basic truth or a rule of conduct.
a matter of principle · in principle · the principle of equality
Now use it
5 items from this page. Nothing is saved anywhere but your own browser.
Item 1 of 5
The reason for the delay was a shortage of parts.