Question

Dictionary entries for the words "principal" and "principle" showing the number of syllables, pronunciation, etymology, parts of speech and definition.
Which sentence uses principal correctly?

We learned the valuable principal of honesty from Dad.
Our school principal is respected in the community.
Madame Sofie taught her dancers the principals of ballet.
Responsibility is one of life’s fundamental principals.

Answer 1

principal
- Syllables: 3
- Pronunciation: /ˈprɪnsəp(ə)l/ — respelling: PRIN-suh-puhl
- Etymology: Middle English < Old French principal < Latin principalis, from princeps (“first, chief”)
- Parts of speech: adjective; noun
- Definitions:
1. (adj.) Most important; chief. — e.g., "The principal reason for the change..."
2. (n.) A person who has the leading authority or role (e.g., school principal, principal investigator). — e.g., "Our school principal greeted the parents."
3. (n.) In performing arts, a leading performer (e.g., a principal dancer). — e.g., "She was promoted to principal."
4. (n., finance) The original sum of money lent or invested, not including interest. — e.g., "He paid down the loan principal."

principle
- Syllables: 3
- Pronunciation: /ˈprɪnsəp(ə)l/ — respelling: PRIN-suh-puhl
- Etymology: Middle English < Old French principe < Latin principium (“beginning, basis”), from princeps (“first”)
- Parts of speech: noun
- Definitions:
1. A fundamental truth, law, or assumption that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. — e.g., "The company operates on the principle of transparency."
2. A moral rule or standard of right behavior. — e.g., "She refused on principle."
3. A basic generalization or rule in science or mathematics. — e.g., "The principle of conservation of energy."

Which sentence uses principal correctly?
- Correct: "Our school principal is respected in the community." (Here principal = head of the school.)
- Incorrect and corrections:
- "We learned the valuable principal of honesty from Dad." — incorrect; should be "principle."
- "Madame Sofie taught her dancers the principals of ballet." — incorrect; should be "principles" (unless you mean she taught them the principal dancers, which is not the intended meaning).
- "Responsibility is one of life’s fundamental principals." — incorrect; should be "principles."

Answer 2

principal
- Syllables: 3
- Pronunciation: /ˈprɪnsəp(ə)l/ — respelling: PRIN-suh-puhl
- Etymology: Middle English < Old French principal < Latin principalis, from princeps (“first, chief”)
- Parts of speech: adjective; noun
- Definitions:
1. (adj.) Most important; chief. — e.g., "The principal reason for the change..."
2. (n.) A person who has the leading authority or role (e.g., school principal, principal investigator). — e.g., "Our school principal greeted the parents."
3. (n.) In performing arts, a leading performer (e.g., a principal dancer). — e.g., "She was promoted to principal."
4. (n., finance) The original sum of money lent or invested, not including interest. — e.g., "He paid down the loan principal."

principle
- Syllables: 3
- Pronunciation: /ˈprɪnsəp(ə)l/ — respelling: PRIN-suh-puhl
- Etymology: Middle English < Old French principe < Latin principium (“beginning, basis”), from princeps (“first”)
- Parts of speech: noun
- Definitions:
1. A fundamental truth, law, or assumption that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. — e.g., "The company operates on the principle of transparency."
2. A moral rule or standard of right behavior. — e.g., "She refused on principle."
3. A basic generalization or rule in science or mathematics. — e.g., "The principle of conservation of energy."

Which sentence uses principal correctly?
- Correct: "Our school principal is respected in the community." (Here principal = head of the school.)
- Incorrect and corrections:
- "We learned the valuable principal of honesty from Dad." — incorrect; should be "principle."
- "Madame Sofie taught her dancers the principals of ballet." — incorrect; should be "principles" (unless you mean she taught them the principal dancers, which is not the intended meaning).
- "Responsibility is one of life’s fundamental principals." — incorrect; should be "principles."