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]

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in principle

The approach is similar in principle to a medical CT scan, except that it maps atomic structures rather than tissues and organs.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 25, 2026

“He was an American in principle, if not by birth,” another biographer once observed.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026

Lorch and other Pentagon and State Department officials flew to Caracas in the final days of that month and agreed in principle to a deal.

From Salon ● Oct. 23, 2026

Mark Sanchez has reached an agreement in principle to end the civil case against him filed by a truck driver who got into a physical altercation with the former USC and NFL quarterback last fall.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026

“It does in principle, of course,” said Sir Charles.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---