French word

principal

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁɛ̃sipal/

Meaning

  • adjectivemain

Example

Son rôle principal est d'aider l'équipe.

His main role is to help the team.

Illustration for principal (main)

More examples

L'objectif principal du projet est d'améliorer la sécurité.

The project's main objective is to improve safety.

Core concept

The lead element around which the rest of a role, plan, or situation is organized.

Common phrases

  • l'objectif principal

    the main objective

  • la raison principale

    the main reason

  • le problème principal

    the main problem

Similar words

important: Significant in value or influence and deserving attention.
essentiel: Necessary for something to exist or function properly.
majeur: Large in scale or degree, with serious effects or results.
fondamental: Forming the basic foundation on which something else depends.

Definition in French

Qualifie ce qui est le plus important, central ou prioritaire dans un contexte donné.

Word origin

Principal developed from Latin principalis through Old French, with its sense linked to Latin princeps, the word for a first or leading person.

Usage tips

  • The masculine plural form is principaux, while the feminine plural form is principales.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word