All 12 Uses of
principal
in
The Idiot
- For instance, he made a point of never asserting himself when he would gain more by keeping in the background; and in consequence many exalted personages valued him principally for his humility and simplicity, and because "he knew his place."†
Chpt 1.2principally = primarily or most importantly
- There is one little matter—some advice I am going to ask him for; but my principal object is simply to introduce myself, because I am Prince Muishkin, and Madame Epanchin is the last of her branch of the house, and besides herself and me there are no other Muishkins left.†
Chpt 1.2principal = most important; or person that is most important
- Oh, I have no special business; my principal object was to make your acquaintance.†
Chpt 1.3 *
- Her principal acquaintances were poor women of various grades, a couple of actresses, and the family of a poor schoolteacher.†
Chpt 1.4
- Perhaps my lot in life will be changed; but that is not the principal thing.†
Chpt 1.6
- The principal thing is the entire change that has already come over me.†
Chpt 1.6
- The room they were now sitting in was a large one, lofty but dark, well furnished, principally with writing-tables and desks covered with papers and books.†
Chpt 2.3principally = primarily or most importantly
- But the principal thing, and the conclusion of my argument, is that this is most clearly seen in the heart of a Russian.†
Chpt 2.4principal = most important; or person that is most important
- A month or so ago, we were all talking and laughing, and looking up a subject for one of Adelaida's pictures—you know it is the principal business of this family to find subjects for Adelaida's pictures.†
Chpt 2.6
- Besides, he cannot possibly be on such intimate terms with Nastasia Philipovna as she gave us to understand; that's the principal part of the mystery!†
Chpt 2.11
- On the contrary, I think it very likely that you may shoot yourself; but the principal thing is to keep cool," said Evgenie with a drawl, and with great condescension.†
Chpt 3.7
- My principal object is to beg you to fix an hour for a most important conversation—that is my great hope, prince.†
Chpt 4.3
Definition:
most important; or person who is most important
The exact meaning of principal can depend upon its context. For example:
- "the principal idea" or "the principal performer" -- the most important
- "the principal of the school" -- the person in charge
- "a principal of a company" -- an owner or person with controlling authority
- "the principal in a transaction" (as contrasted to the agent) -- the person on whose behalf an agent acts