in principle

Idioms  

1. Fundamentally, in general, but not necessarily in all particulars. For example, The diplomats accepted the idea in principle but would rely on experts to work out all the details. [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in principle

Meanwhile, Everton have agreed terms in principle to re-sign striker Richarlison after he told Spurs head coach Roberto de Zerbi "too many times that he wants to leave".

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

Redirecting each photon creates a tiny recoil force, similar in principle to the recoil produced when a bullet is fired.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 18, 2026

German business weekly WirtschaftsWoche reported that Porsche's works council, which represents staff interests, had agreed in principle with management to end Taycan production.

From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026

Castlelake made a number of approaches for easyJet in recent weeks and the airline had agreed in principle to a more than $7 billion proposal before Apollo stepped in with a higher offer.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

Both the Kuhnian and Popperian positions are, in principle, compatible with an understanding of what science does; the Wittgensteinian position, as presented by his followers, is inherently anti-scientific.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton