In principle
Example: In principle, we can start the project next week.
Definition
"In principle" is an expression used to indicate that something is generally true or possible, based on theory or basic understanding, but may not yet be fully confirmed or applied in practice. For example, "In principle, we can start the project next week" means the project could start then under ideal conditions.
Etymology
The phrase "in principle" comes from the word 'principle', which originates from the Latin 'principium', meaning 'beginning' or 'foundation'. Over time, it evolved to refer to fundamental truths or rules. The phrase "in principle" thus implies something is true according to fundamental ideas or theories, even if not yet realized.
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"In principle" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 130 commonly used expressions.
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