Final answer:
To 'agree in principle' is to have a general consensus on the main concept or idea, while differing on the specifics. It often occurs in discussions around policies, where the underlying goal is shared but the methods to achieve it are debated. The agreement signifies a starting point for further negotiation on the details.
Step-by-step explanation:
To agree in principle means to have a general consensus or a basic agreement with the overall idea or concept, but not necessarily with all the specifics or details. For example, two parties may agree in principle on the importance of addressing climate change, but they might have different opinions regarding the methods to achieve this goal. This could involve debates over whether to enact mandatory regulations such as banning gas-powered cars, or to provide incentives for alternative solutions like electric vehicles or the installation of solar panels.
In legislative or court settings, agreeing in principle can also denote a scenario where all parties recognize the need to tackle an issue but must still work through the transaction costs, coordination efforts, and conformity costs to hash out the exact provisions of a policy or law.
Moreover, when discussing plans, agreements, or proposals, people might express this form of initial agreement while noting that further discussion is required to reach full consensus. Phrases such as 'at least', 'certainly', 'even though', and 'of course' can signal acknowledgment of certain shared beliefs or goals, despite potential differences in approach or detail that need to be resolved.