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 Brazilian striker Richarlison after he told Spurs head coach Roberto de Zerbi "too many times that he wants to leave".

From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026

"But in principle, nothing prevents us from writing down physical equations for a larger number of dimensions -- five dimensions, forty-two dimensions, or even infinitely many."

From Science Daily ● Aug. 30, 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

Empathy becomes something we endorse in principle but rarely practice.

From Salon ● Jul. 30, 2026

The barrier is clear in principle, although there are inevitable ambiguities in practice.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton