The phrase refers to the portion of a loan repayment that covers both the principal amount borrowed and the interest accrued on that principal. It’s the combined sum allocated to incrementally reduce the outstanding debt and compensate the lender for the risk and time value of money. An example is a monthly mortgage installment where a portion goes towards decreasing the original loan amount (principal) and another covers the cost of borrowing (interest).
This combined payment structure is fundamental to amortizing loans. Its importance lies in providing a structured and predictable repayment schedule. It allows borrowers to systematically reduce their debt over time while simultaneously accounting for the cost of the loan. Historically, such arrangements have been crucial for facilitating large purchases like homes and vehicles, fostering economic growth by making substantial investments more accessible.