adjective / noun

principal

PRIN-suh-pul/prˈɪnsʌpʌl/

Leading in importance or responsibility.

The principal welcomes children at the school entrance beside a teacher.

An older Latina school principal welcomes children at school entrance with a teacher nearby, confident administrative role, no signs.

Etymology

prinLatinfirst

+cipLatinto take

+alLatinrelating to

The roots “first” and “take” supplied the idea of a chief, giving the adjective its meaning “first in importance.” As a noun, it named a leading person and then the person in charge of a school.

In context

Clark Gaither1:40

my grades began to slip up until then I had Straight A's and every class but the principal of my grade school called me and my parents in one day to have a little chat session

The Graduate's Handbook - Interview

More examples

Safety is our principal concern during the repairs.
The principal reason for the delay is bad weather.
She performs as a principal in the ballet company.

Forms

principal · principals

principally adverb — For the most part; chiefly.

Similar words

main: Emphasizes greatest importance without necessarily implying authority or leadership.
primary: Can emphasize first priority or sequence rather than leadership.
chief: Often emphasizes highest rank or authority within a group.