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

Iran and the U.S. have agreed to meet in principle but no date or venue has been decided, The Wall Street Journal External link reported, citing officials familiar with the matter.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

“It’s a horrible little bar—little room, dark and poky—it’s not a place you’d want to spend any time, but in principle, I don’t agree with it,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Campaigners celebrated last May after a regional court in northern Germany ruled that companies could in principle be sued over the consequences of their emissions.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

But while these new subsidy schemes are welcomed in principle by many farmers, some find the funding available falls far short of the levels provided under earlier support systems.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Their reasoning was complex in detail, but simple in principle.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann