a law, rule or theory that sth is based on 法则;原则;原理◆The principles of banking have not changed much over the centuries. 几个世纪以来,银行业的原则没有多大改变。
a general or scientific law that explains how sth works or why sth happens 定律;工作原理◆the principle that heat rises 热气上升的定律SYNlaw (5)
●in ˈprinciple
if sth can be done in principle, there is no reason why it should not be done although it has not been done yet 理论上;原则上◆In principle, such loans have always been available. 原则上,这样的贷款一直可以提供。
in general but not in detail 基本上;大体上◆The companies reached an agreement in principle last week. 上周,这些公司基本上达成了协议。