“Principle” vs. “Principal”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “principle” and “principal”

  • "Principle" refers to a fundamental idea or belief, while "principal" refers to a person or amount of money.
  • A principle is a fundamental truth or a rule that guides conduct or behavior.
  • A principal is a person who holds a high position, such as a school principal or a company principal.
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What is the definition of “principle” and “principal”?

Principle
  • A principle is a fundamental truth or a rule that guides conduct or behavior.
  • It is a belief or idea that serves as the cornerstone of a system of thought or a philosophy.
  • Principles can be moral, ethical, or scientific in nature and provide a framework for decision-making.
Principal
  • A principal is a person who holds a high position, such as a school principal or a company principal.
  • It can also refer to the primary amount of money borrowed or invested.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Principal” is the more popular variant on the web.
Principle
773,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The principle of non-violence should be practiced in all communities.
  2. She firmly believed in the principle that hard work pays off.
  3. The company's guiding principle is to always prioritize customer satisfaction.
More popular
Principal
3,550,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The principal of the school made an announcement over the intercom.
  2. The principal amount of the loan still needs to be paid off.
  3. The principal dancer in the ballet troupe took center stage.
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