Principal Meaning
Principal Definition & Usage
The head or leader of an organization, especially a school.
Examples
- "The principal of the high school announced a new policy on attendance."
- "Our principal is very approachable, always willing to listen to students."
- "She became the principal of the elementary school last year after years of teaching."
- "The principal is responsible for making major decisions regarding the school's operations."
- "The principal met with the teachers to discuss the upcoming curriculum changes."
The original sum of money invested or lent, excluding any interest or dividends.
Examples
- "The principal on the loan was $10,000, with an interest rate of 5%."
- "If you deposit $1,000 into a savings account, that $1,000 is your principal."
- "The company returned the principal of the bond to its investors after the maturity period."
- "She paid off the principal of her mortgage early to reduce the total interest."
- "The principal amount of the investment was protected against market fluctuations."
Most important or primary in a particular context.
Examples
- "The principal reason for the delay was a technical issue."
- "He is the principal author of the research paper."
- "The principal challenge in the project was meeting the tight deadlines."
- "Her principal concern was the safety of her team."
- "The principal goal of this initiative is to increase community engagement."
Cultural Context
The word 'principal' comes from the Latin 'principalis', meaning 'chief' or 'leading'. It is widely used in educational settings, where it refers to the head of a school or institution. Over time, its usage has expanded to include financial, legal, and other leadership contexts.
The Principal's Dilemma
Story
The Principal's Dilemma
It was a crisp autumn morning when Sarah, the principal of Maplewood High School, stood at the edge of the parking lot, watching as students gathered for the first day of the semester. Her mind was preoccupied with the challenges ahead. The principal reason for the chaos in the school schedule was a last-minute teacher shortage, which had left many classes without proper coverage. Inside her office, Sarah sat down to review a financial report. Her school had recently taken out a loan to fund a much-needed renovation of the gymnasium. The principal of the loan was substantial, and she was concerned about the long-term effects it would have on the school's budget. But there was no turning back; the project was necessary to maintain the school's reputation. Later that day, Sarah attended a meeting with the district's superintendent. As they discussed the upcoming school board meeting, Sarah's mind wandered back to the principal concern of the day: how to balance the school's academic goals with the pressures of budget constraints. She realized that, as principal, she was responsible for making decisions that impacted not only the students but also the school's financial health. Her leadership would be tested like never before. As Sarah walked back to her office, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. No matter the challenges, she was the principal of Maplewood High, and she would continue to do her best to guide the school through every obstacle.
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