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

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

Their thinking was that music lovers can thin-slice a new song in a matter of seconds, and there is nothing wrong with that idea in principle.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell