prinzipiell

in principle, on principle

adverb prin-tsi-pi-EL Rare

Also means

fundamentally

Usage Note

Prinzipiell can mean either 'as a matter of principle' (manner) or 'in principle / fundamentally' (degree). Context decides: Ich stimme prinzipiell zu ('I agree in principle') vs. Er lehnt es prinzipiell ab ('He refuses on principle').

Examples

"Prinzipiell bin ich bereit zu helfen, aber ich habe heute keine Zeit."

Natural Translation

In principle I am willing to help, but I have no time today.

Literal Translation

In-principle am I ready to help, but I have today no time.

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