Skip to main content

in principleused to say that something is theoretically possible or correct, though it may not happen in practice

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: used to say that something is theoretically possible or correct, though it may not happen in practice

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪn ˈprɪnsəpəl/

Korean meaning: 원칙적으로, 이론상으로는

Korean pronunciation: 인 **프린**서플

Example Sentences

  • The teacher agreed in principle to extend the deadline, but warned it might not happen again.
  • My diet plan works perfectly in principle, but in practice, pizza always wins.
  • In principle, I support early morning exercise, but my bed disagrees with this principle.

in principle

ADVERB

//ɪn ˈprɪnsəpəl//

used to say that something is theoretically possible or correct, though it may not happen in practice

in principle concept
💡 Concept

used to say that something is theoretically possible or correct, though it may not happen in practice

in principle rhyme
🎵 Rhyme

In principle, a principled principal is invincible!

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪn ˈprɪnsəpəl/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪn ˈprɪnsɪpəl/

🌳Etymology

Origin

From Latin 'principium' meaning 'beginning' or 'foundation,' which derives from 'princeps' (first, chief). The phrase emerged in English by the 16th century as a translation of Latin 'in principio' to express theoretical or foundational concepts.

🎵Rhyme

principalinvincible
principal
invincible

🔗Collocations

agree in principle
accept in principle
support in principle
oppose in principle
possible in principle
correct in principle

📝Examples

The teacher agreed in principle to extend the deadline, but warned it might not happen again.

😄 Fun example

My diet plan works perfectly in principle, but in practice, pizza always wins.

😄 Fun example

In principle, I support early morning exercise, but my bed disagrees with this principle.

The company accepts the proposal in principle, pending further review.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

theoreticallyin theorybasicallyfundamentallyessentially

Antonyms

in practicein realityactually

Related

principletheoreticalconceptualhypothetical

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.