A posteriori
[ey po-steer-ee-awr-ahy, -ohr-ahy, -awr-ee, -ohr-ee] /ˌeɪ pɒˌstɪər iˈɔr aɪ, -ˈoʊr aɪ, -ˈɔr i, -ˈoʊr i/
adjective
from particular instances to a general principle or law; based upon actual observation or upon experimental data:
an a posteriori argument that derives the theory from the evidence.
compare a priori (def 1).
not existing in the mind prior to or independent of experience.
compare a priori (def 2).
can be confused
ad hoc, a posteriori, a priori, ex post facto, prima facie.
a posteriori
/eɪ pɒsˌtɛrɪˈɔːraɪ; -rɪ; ɑː/
adjective (logic)
relating to or involving inductive reasoning from particular facts or effects to a general principle
derived from or requiring evidence for its validation or support; empirical; open to revision
(statistics) see posterior probability
compare a priori, synthetic (sense 4)
word origin
c18: from latin, literally: from the latter (that is, from effect to cause)
latin, literally “from what comes after” (see posterior).
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