principle

/ˈprɪn·sə·pəl/ n [C often pl] (BASIC TRUTH)

Definition

› a basic truth that explains or controls how something happens or works: the principles of Newtonian physics in principle › Someone who agrees to something in principle agrees with the idea, but may not agree with using the idea to bring about practical changes: In principle I agree that mothers should spend as much time as possible with their young children, but it isn’t easy.

(Definition of principle n (BASIC TRUTH) from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)