A priori
[ey prahy-awr-ahy, -ohr-ahy, ey pree-awr-ee, -ohr-ee, ah pree-awr-ee, -ohr-ee] /ˌeɪ praɪˈɔr aɪ, -ˈoʊr aɪ, ˌeɪ priˈɔr i, -ˈoʊr i, ˌɑ priˈɔr i, -ˈoʊr i/
adjective
from a general law to a particular instance; valid independently of observation.
compare a posteriori (def 1).
existing in the mind prior to and independent of experience, as a faculty or character trait.
compare a posteriori (def 2).
not based on prior study or examination; non-n-lytic:
an a priori judgment.
related forms
apriority
[ey-prahy-awr-i-tee, -or-] /ˌeɪ praɪˈɔr ɪ ti, -ˈɒr-/ (show ipa), noun
can be confused
ad hoc, a posteriori, a priori, ex post facto, prima facie.
a priori
/eɪ praɪˈɔːraɪ; ɑː prɪˈɔːrɪ/
adjective
(logic) relating to or involving deductive reasoning from a general principle to the expected facts or effects
(logic) known to be true independently of or in advance of experience of the subject matter; requiring no evidence for its validation or support
(statistics) see prior probability, mathematical probability
compare a posteriori, -n-lytic (sense 4)
derived forms
apriority (ˌeɪpraɪˈɒrɪtɪ) noun
word origin
c18: from latin, literally: from the previous (that is, from cause to effect)
1710, “from cause to effect” (a logical term, in reference to reasoning), latin, literally “from what comes first,” from priori, ablative of prior “first” (see prior (adj.)). used loosely for “in accordance with previous knowledge” (1834).
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