in principle

phrase

: with respect to fundamentals

They accepted the offer in principle.

Examples of in principle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, both sides agreed that talks in principle about regulation might be possible and even desirable because of the growth in the importance, but also unpredictability, of AI. — Rana Mitter, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026

Arendt’s radical claims still stand, in principle, though not for the man Adolf Eichmann. — Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026

But that is, in principle, true because wavelike is the fundamental nature of matter at the microscopic level. — Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026

Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to buy Spanish second-tier side Eldense. — Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in principle

• principal