Principal vs Principle
Published January 31, 2023. Updated January 31, 2023.
Principal and principle may look and sound similar, but they have different meanings and uses. Principal can be an adjective meaning “most important” or a noun meaning “main individual or thing.” Principle, on the other hand, is a noun meaning “an expected code of conduct.” Principal can also be used as a noun to mean the leader of a school.
Here are some definitions and examples to help clarify the meaning of these words.
Principal (adjective)
Most important
Examples:
The matter of the will is the principal reason for my visit.
Mushrooms are the principal ingredient in this recipe.
In the first example, principal is used as an adjective meaning most important or primary. In the second example, the word principal is used to note that mushroom are the main ingredient of a recipe. This is a frequent use of the word principal and often gets mistakenly spelled as principle.
Principal (noun)
Main or primary thing, such as a person, concept, item, etc.
Examples:
The principal of the school was proud of the students.
Yoshiko is the principal on the Blue account.
In the first example, principal is used as a noun meaning most important person of the school. In the second example, principal is used to note the primary manager or contact of the Blue account.
Principle (noun)
An expected code of conduct
Examples:
He considered himself a man of principle.
The organization insists all members live by certain principles.
In both examples, principle is used as a noun to mean “an expected code of conduct.”
Main Points
- Principal is an adjective meaning “most important.”
- Principle, on the other hand, is a noun meaning “an expected code of conduct.”
- Principal can also be used as a noun to mean the leader of a school.