student asking question

Does "principal" have exactly the same meaning as "head", "senior"? Are those three words interchangeable most of the time?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Principal" here means first in order of importance. To answer your question, "principal" is almost like "head" or "senior," however, I wouldn't use these words interchangeably. This is because the word "senior" can be used in different ways. "Senior" can mean high or higher in rank, but it can also mean older and more experienced than the other team members. Even though she is the "principal" dancer for the ballet, she may not be the most senior or the head dancer in the ballet. Ex: Finding a better job was my principal reason for moving to the city. Ex: Their principal export is fish.

Popular Q&As

03/22

Complete the expression with a quiz!