Principais

Principais is a Portuguese adjective in its plural form, used to denote the most important, central, or defining elements within a group. The singular form is principal, used for both masculine and feminine nouns in the singular, while principais is used for both masculine and feminine nouns in the plural. The word conveys ranking or prominence and can describe people, objects, ideas, or phenomena.

The term derives from Latin principālis, from princeps meaning chief or foremost. In Portuguese, principais has been part of the language since medieval and early modern periods and remains common in formal and informal writing.

Usage and nuances: Principais can precede or follow the noun, with subtle shifts in emphasis. When placed before the noun, it can add a sense of primacy or focus: as principais manchetes (the main headlines). When placed after the noun, it often serves as a descriptive attribute: cidades principais (main/central cities). It is frequently paired with nouns such as causas, fatores, problemas, fontes, atores, or cidades to indicate the most significant ones. The term can also function as a shorthand nominal phrase in contexts like os principais, meaning “the main ones,” particularly when the antecedent is understood from context.

See also: synonyms include mais importantes, centrais,-chave, fundamentais. The choice between principais and other adjectives may reflect emphasis, formality, or nuance in a given sentence.