principal

• Qualifie ce qui est le plus important, premier en rang ou en importance; principal ou essentiel.

Describes something that is first in order of importance; main or most significant.

1. Most importantB1formal

   First in order of importance; main.

   Principal (le plus important)

   • The principal reason for the delay was the weather.
   • Her principal concern is the safety of the children.
   • The principal objective of the project is to reduce costs.

   Synonymescentralchieffirstforemostkeyleadingmainpremierprimaryprime

   Antonymesinsignificantlesserminorsecondarysubordinate

2. Primary or leadingB2formal

   Denoting the main or most significant element in a group.

   Principal, principale

   • The principal actor in the play received a standing ovation.
   • The principal ingredient in this recipe is fresh basil.
   • The principal cause of the accident was driver error.

   Synonymeschieffirstforemostkeyleadingmainmajorpremierprimaryprime

   Antonymesminorsecondarysubordinatesubsidiary

• Nom désignant une personne occupant un poste de direction, par exemple le chef d'un établissement scolaire ou d'une organisation, ou encore le montant initial d'un argent investi ou prêté.

A noun referring to a person who holds a leading position, such as the head of a school or organization, or the original sum of money invested or lent.

1. Head of a schoolA2formal

   The person in charge of a school or educational institution.

   Chef d'établissement scolaire

   • The principal announced the new school policies.
   • She was appointed as the principal of the high school.
   • Students often go to the principal's office for serious matters.

   Synonymesheadhead teacherheadmaster

2. Sum of moneyB2formal

   The original amount of money borrowed or invested, excluding interest.

   Capital (somme d'argent)

   • The loan repayment includes both the principal and the interest.
   • He invested a large principal in the stock market.
   • The principal of the bond will be repaid at maturity.

   Synonymescapitalcorpus

3. Main participantB2formal

   A person who takes a leading role in a business, legal case, or performance.

   Principal (participant principal)

   • The principals in the negotiation agreed to a compromise.
   • She was one of the principals in the Broadway production.
   • The legal case involved several principals and their lawyers.

   Synonymeschiefheadleadleadermainstayprotagoniststar