In 15 Seconds
- Doing something based on core values rather than convenience.
- Commonly used for 'in-principle' agreements in business contexts.
- A way to express firm boundaries or ethical stances.
Meaning
It describes doing something based on a moral rule or a general belief rather than for practical reasons. It's about sticking to your values or agreeing to an idea in theory.
Key Examples
3 of 6Refusing a small bribe or gift
Je ne peux pas accepter, c'est une question de principe.
I cannot accept, it's a matter of principle.
Agreeing to a project idea in a meeting
Nous avons votre accord de principe pour ce projet ?
Do we have your agreement in principle for this project?
Explaining a personal habit to a friend
Je ne prête jamais ma voiture, c'est par principe.
I never lend my car, it's a matter of principle.
Cultural Background
The French 'accord de principe' is a staple of the real estate market. You cannot realistically bid on an apartment without one from your bank. In Quebec, the phrase is used similarly, but in labor negotiations, a 'règlement de principe' is the term used when a union and employer reach a tentative deal. In diplomatic and business circles in countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, 'accord de principe' is used to show respect and willingness to collaborate before involving village or community elders. In French universities, an 'opposition de principe' is a common way for professors to challenge a student's thesis—not to be mean, but to test the student's logical foundations.
The 'Bank' Rule
If you are talking about money or contracts, always use 'accord de principe'. It makes you sound professional.
The 'En' Trap
Be careful! If you say 'Je viens en principe', your French friends will think you are making an excuse to stay home.
In 15 Seconds
- Doing something based on core values rather than convenience.
- Commonly used for 'in-principle' agreements in business contexts.
- A way to express firm boundaries or ethical stances.
What It Means
Think of de principe as your internal moral compass. When you do something de principe, you aren't doing it because it's easy. You aren't doing it because it's cheap. You are doing it because you believe it is the 'right' thing to do. In English, we often say 'as a matter of principle.' It can also mean a general agreement. If you give an accord de principe, you like the idea. You haven't signed the contract yet, but your heart is in it. It is about the essence of an action rather than the tiny details.
How To Use It
You will mostly see this phrase in two ways. First, as par principe. This is for personal habits. 'I don't eat meat par principe.' Second, as de principe. This is often for formal agreements. You use it after nouns like accord (agreement) or opposition (opposition). It is a very flexible tool. You can use it to sound firm or to show you are open to ideas. Just remember to place it after the noun or verb it modifies. It acts like a label for your motivation.
When To Use It
This is a great phrase for serious discussions. Use it in a job interview to show your work ethic. Use it with friends when debating where to eat. It is perfect for when you want to explain a boundary. 'I don't work on weekends par principe.' It sounds much more respectable than just saying 'I'm lazy.' It is also a staple in French business. If a boss asks if you like a project, an accord de principe is the perfect safe answer. It says 'Yes, but show me the money later.'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for things that are just preferences. If you hate broccoli, don't say you avoid it de principe. That sounds a bit too dramatic. Unless, of course, you have a philosophical war against green vegetables! Also, avoid using it when you are talking about specific, physical rules. If you can't enter a park because it's closed, that's a rule, not a principle. Keep this phrase for the big stuff: ethics, logic, and general theories. Using it for small things might make you sound a bit 'prétentieux' (pretentious).
Cultural Background
France is the land of philosophy and logic. Think of Descartes and the Age of Enlightenment. The French love to have a 'raison d'être' for everything. Standing by a principle is seen as a sign of strong character. Even the famous French 'râleur' (the grumbler) often grumbles par principe. It is a way of asserting your identity. In French culture, being 'têtu' (stubborn) isn't always bad if it's for a good principle. It shows you aren't easily swayed by others.
Common Variations
The most common twin is par principe. You use this for your own actions. 'Je refuse par principe.' Then there is un accord de principe. This is the 'handshake' before the contract. You might also hear une question de principe. This is what you say when someone asks why you are being so difficult. It’s the ultimate 'because I said so' for adults. It shifts the conversation from the facts to your personal values.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile but carries a certain weight. Using 'par principe' suggests a firm, almost stubborn stance, while 'de principe' is the standard for theoretical agreements in professional settings.
The 'Bank' Rule
If you are talking about money or contracts, always use 'accord de principe'. It makes you sound professional.
The 'En' Trap
Be careful! If you say 'Je viens en principe', your French friends will think you are making an excuse to stay home.
Stubbornness
Saying 'C'est par principe' can sometimes make you sound stubborn (têtu). Use it sparingly in social settings.
Singular vs Plural
Keep it singular in the phrase 'de principe'. Only use plural 'principes' when describing a person's character.
Examples
6Je ne peux pas accepter, c'est une question de principe.
I cannot accept, it's a matter of principle.
Used here to show that the refusal is based on ethics, not the value of the gift.
Nous avons votre accord de principe pour ce projet ?
Do we have your agreement in principle for this project?
This asks for general support before the technical details are finalized.
Je ne prête jamais ma voiture, c'est par principe.
I never lend my car, it's a matter of principle.
A firm but polite way to set a personal boundary.
J'y vais par principe, même si ça ne changera rien.
I'm going as a matter of principle, even if it won't change anything.
Shows commitment to a cause regardless of the outcome.
Il refuse de demander son chemin par principe.
He refuses to ask for directions as a matter of principle.
Pokes fun at someone's stubborn adherence to a 'rule.'
Je te soutiens de principe, parce que tu es mon ami.
I support you in principle because you are my friend.
Expresses loyalty based on the 'principle' of friendship.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase for a bank's initial approval.
La banque nous a donné un ______ pour notre prêt immobilier.
An 'accord de principe' is the standard term for a bank's preliminary approval.
Fill in the blank with 'par' or 'en'.
Je ne mange pas de viande ______ principe, car je respecte les animaux.
Use 'par principe' when expressing a motivation based on values.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a train schedule that might be late?
'En principe' is used for things that are supposed to happen but might not.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu acceptes de m'aider ? B: Oui, je suis d'accord ______, mais je dois voir mon emploi du temps.
'D'accord de principe' indicates a theoretical agreement pending details.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
De vs En vs Par
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLa banque nous a donné un ______ pour notre prêt immobilier.
An 'accord de principe' is the standard term for a bank's preliminary approval.
Je ne mange pas de viande ______ principe, car je respecte les animaux.
Use 'par principe' when expressing a motivation based on values.
Which phrase fits a train schedule that might be late?
'En principe' is used for things that are supposed to happen but might not.
A: Tu acceptes de m'aider ? B: Oui, je suis d'accord ______, mais je dois voir mon emploi du temps.
'D'accord de principe' indicates a theoretical agreement pending details.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is mostly used in formal or professional contexts, though 'par principe' is common in daily life.
No, it is always 'accord de principe'. The 'de' does not contract with an article here.
'De principe' usually modifies a noun (an agreement of principle), while 'par principe' explains why you did something (I did it out of principle).
It means 'theoretically yes', but in French culture, it often implies 'probably not' or 'there is a catch'.
You say 'C'est un homme de principes' (using the plural).
Not usually. It is an agreement to continue negotiating, but it doesn't force the final sale.
No, that sounds strange. Use it for moral or logical stances instead.
Because it refers to the abstract concept of 'principle' rather than specific individual rules.
People might say 'C'est le principe' to mean 'That's the point' or 'That's how it works'.
It is when someone disagrees with an idea because it violates their core beliefs, regardless of the details.
Related Phrases
en principe
similartheoretically / normally
par principe
similarout of principle
une question de principe
builds ona matter of principle
sans principes
contrastunprincipled
fondamentalement
similarfundamentally
