11 uses
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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
- The principal decided the show must go on.p. 76.2
- When the notice had come around at school asking for volunteers, especially teachers who had experience with young children, to chaperone a holiday party at the Elks Club in Elizabeth, Leah thought her principal might be impressed to see what a community-minded young woman she was, willing to give her time on a Sunday afternoon the week before Christmas.p. 47.1
- They had another safety drill before lunch, proving Mr. Royer, the principal, also believed they were jinxed.p. 200.4
- As principal he has a veto over controversial stories.p. 324.3
- "She showed it to the principal," Miri continued.p. 325.5
- But they'd had a different principal, one who'd joked with them.p. 334.5
- How do you spell principal? he would ask.p. 334.5
- Remember the P-A-L on the end because the principal is your pal.p. 334.6
- Minutes later the principal's voice came over the loudspeaker, telling them it was a hoax.p. 391.8
- None of them liked Edith Jensen, the vice principal.p. 391.9
- His wife is an elementary school principal.p. 473.3
There are no more uses of "principal" in In the Unlikely Event.
Typical Usage
(best examples)