principal

Definition

Primary; most important; first level in importance.

Etymology

From Middle English principal, from Old French principal, from Latin prīncipālis.

Example Sentences

• "Smith is the principal architect of this design."
• "The principal cause of the failure was poor planning."
• "In a word, the Epiſodes of Homer are complete Epiſodes; they are proper to the ſubject, because they are drawn from the ground of the fable; they are ſo joined to the principal action, that one is the neceſſary conſequence of the other, either truly or probably: and laſtly, they are imperfect members which do not make a complete and finiſhed body; for an Epiſode that makes a complete action, cannot be part of a principal action; as is eſſential to all Epiſodes."

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