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

"It's so tricky because, in principle, I agree with opposing these new settlements," Michael Cohen, who works for a Jewish charity, told the BBC.

From BBC ● Sep. 9, 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

But in the end I decided that killing animals is not wrong in principle.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan