principal and principle are homophones: they are pronounced identically and spelled differently, which is why they are so often swapped. principal means “the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated”. principle means “a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct”.
/ˈpɹɪnsəpəl/
1.n.the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
2.n.the educator who has executive authority for a school
“she sent unruly pupils to see the principal”
3.n.an actor who plays a principal role
/ˈpɹɪnsəpəl/
1.n.a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
“their principles of composition characterized all their works”
2.n.a rule or standard especially of good behavior
“a man of principle”
3.n.a basic truth or law or assumption
“the principles of democracy”
| principal | principle | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈpɹɪnsəpəl/ | /ˈpɹɪnsəpəl/ |
| Said | PRIN-suh-puhl | PRIN-suh-puhl |
| Syllables | 3 | 3 |
| Letters | 9 | 9 |
| Parts of speech | noun, adjective | noun |
| Senses | 7 | 6 |
| How common | Common | Common |
| Synonyms | none recorded | rule |
Full entry for principal · Full entry for principle · More comparisons