What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
principial
Example
The principial approach to this issue is to prioritize the safety of all individuals involved. [principial: adjective]
Example
She is a principial person who always stands up for what she believes in. [principial: adjective]
Example
The company's decision was principial, based on their commitment to environmental sustainability. [principial: adjective]
fundamental
Example
The fundamental principles of mathematics are taught in elementary school. [fundamental: adjective]
Example
Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in many democratic societies. [fundamental: adjective]
Example
The fundamental goal of this project is to improve access to education for underprivileged communities. [fundamental: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fundamental is more commonly used than principial in everyday language. Fundamental is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while principial is less common and more specific to principles or beliefs.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between principial and fundamental?
Both principial and fundamental can be used in formal contexts, but principial may have a slightly more formal tone due to its less common usage and association with strong moral or ethical principles.
