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

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

In early July, EasyJet and Castlelake said they had agreed a deal in principle, but then Apollo - which owns Wagamama parent The Restaurant Group - swooped in with a higher bid.

From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026

Empathy becomes something we endorse in principle but rarely practice.

From Salon ● Jul. 30, 2026

Now Stalin and the Communist Party nailed together a haphazard structure for a country that, in principle at least, treated men and women with equal rights.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein