What is the difference between the word principle and principal?

Dissipate

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Jan 17, 2004
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In what context should one use principle and in what context should one use the word principal? I read the definitions of both words but I'm still confused.
 

MAME

Banned
Sep 19, 2003
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it's a good principle to not give your principal investment to your principal
 

Dissipate

Diamond Member
Jan 17, 2004
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Originally posted by: thejackal1
principal-someone who runs a school

duh, but it has a lot of other definitions:

prin·ci·pal Listen: [ prns-pl ]
adj.


1. First, highest, or foremost in importance, rank, worth, or degree; chief. See Synonyms at chief.

2. Of, relating to, or being financial principal, or a principal in a financial transaction.

n.


1. One who holds a position of presiding rank, especially the head of an elementary school or high school.

2. A main participant in a situation.

3. A person having a leading or starring role.

4. a. The capital or main body of an estate or financial holding as distinguished from the interest or revenue from it. b. A sum of money owed as a debt, upon which interest is calculated.

5. Law a. A person who empowers another to act as his or her representative. b. The person having prime responsibility for an obligation as distinguished from one who acts as surety or as an endorser. c. One who commits or is an accomplice to a crime.

6. Architecture Either of a pair of inclined timbers forming the sides of a triangular truss for a pitched roof.

Text
 

AlexWade

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Sep 27, 2003
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Principle is more-or-less a broad rule. For example, if I said don't drive dangerously, then you wouldn't drive drunk, on the wrong side of the road, have your headlights off at night, and so on.

Here's another for: what is the difference between discreet and discrete?
 

PlatinumGold

Lifer
Aug 11, 2000
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Originally posted by: AlexWade
Principle is more-or-less a broad rule. For example, if I said don't drive dangerously, then you wouldn't drive drunk, on the wrong side of the road, have your headlights off at night, and so on.

Here's another for: what is the difference between discreet and discrete?

affect - effect is easiest to confuse if you ask me.

affect is the cause

effect is the result