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

"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

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

Empathy becomes something we endorse in principle but rarely practice.

From Salon ● Jul. 30, 2026

Among the members of the inspection task force, Lawrence and Mills were willing to entertain the idea of a test ban in principle but were pessimistic that it could be adequately monitored.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik