Principal vs Principle

“Principal” and “principle” are two words in English that are pronounced similarly but have different meanings and uses.

  1. Principal: This word can serve as a noun or an adjective.
    • As a noun, “principal” refers to:
      • The head or director of a school or an organization.
      • The amount of money initially invested or lent, excluding interest or earnings.
    • As an adjective, “principal” describes something as primary, main, or most important.

Example sentences:

  • “The school principal addressed the students in the morning assembly.”
  • “She invested the principal amount in a long-term savings account.”
  • “The principal objective of the project is to improve community engagement.”
  1. Principle: This word is always a noun and refers to a fundamental truth, a moral rule, a belief, or a guiding concept. It represents a fundamental idea or a code of conduct that guides behavior or actions.

Example sentences:

  • “Honesty is a fundamental principle in building trust.”
  • “The principle of equality advocates fair treatment for all individuals.”
  • “She adheres to her principles even in challenging situations.”