The Opposite(Antonym) of “principal”
The antonyms of principal are secondary, minor, and subordinate. These words describe something that is less important or has a lower rank than the principal thing.
Explore all Antonyms of “principal”
Definitions and Examples of secondary, minor, subordinate
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Coming after, less important than, or resulting from someone or something else that is primary or more important.
Example
The secondary characters in the movie were not as well-developed as the main ones.
Lesser in importance, seriousness, or significance.
Example
The company's profits suffered only minor losses during the pandemic.
Lower in rank or position; under the authority or control of someone else.
Example
As a manager, she had several subordinate employees who reported to her.
Key Differences: secondary vs minor vs subordinate
- 1Secondary refers to something that is less important or has a lower rank than the primary thing.
- 2Minor describes something that is of lesser importance, seriousness, or significance than something else.
- 3Subordinate refers to something that is lower in rank or position and under the authority or control of someone else.
Effective Usage of secondary, minor, subordinate
- 1Academic Writing: Use these antonyms to describe the hierarchy of ideas or concepts in academic papers.
- 2Business Communication: Utilize these antonyms to describe the different levels of importance or authority in a company or organization.
- 3Everyday Conversation: Incorporate these antonyms in everyday conversations to express the relative importance of things or people.
Remember this!
The antonyms of principal are secondary, minor, and subordinate. Use these words to describe the hierarchy of ideas or concepts in academic writing, the different levels of importance or authority in business communication, or to express the relative importance of things or people in everyday conversation.
