a priori

adjective

a pri·​o·​ri ˌä-prē-ˈȯr-ē How to pronounce a priori (audio)
ˌa-;
ˌā-(ˌ)prī-ˈȯr-ˌī How to pronounce a priori (audio)
-ˌprē-ˈȯr-ē
1
a
b
: relating to or derived by reasoning from self-evident propositions compare a posteriori
c
: presupposed by experience
2
a
: being without examination or analysis : presumptive
b
: formed or conceived beforehand
a priori adverb
apriority
ˌä-prē-ˈȯr-ə-tē
ˌa-;
ˌā-(ˌ)prī-ˈȯr- How to pronounce a priori (audio)
-ˌprē-ˈȯr
noun

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A priori and a posteriori are terms that are used especially in logic and philosophy. A priori is from Latin ā priōrī, which means literally, "from what is earlier." A priori knowledge is knowledge that comes from the power of reasoning based on self-evident truths; a priori usually describes lines of reasoning or arguments that proceed from the general to the particular, or from causes to effects. A posteriori is from Latin ā posteriōrī, which means literally, "from what is later." It describes knowledge based solely on experience or personal observation. So, for example, "Every apple is a fruit" is an a priori statement, since it shows simple logical reasoning and isn't a statement of fact about a specific case; "apples are sweet" is a posteriori, as it expresses something the speaker knows from experience.

Examples of a priori in a Sentence

There's no a priori reason to think your expenses will remain the same in a new city. an a priori argument for the defendant's innocence
Recent Examples on the Web Knowing a priori which stocks will outperform the market is also much more difficult than reviewing the trends that occurred in the past. Wayne Winegarden, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 Alongside this effort, wildlife trafficking should be designated as a predicate offense for wiretap authorizations, which would empower authorities to start gathering intelligence without having to prove a link to other crimes a priori. Vanda Felbab-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2023 Given Russia’s indiscriminate shelling and targeting, no type of conventional weapon should be excluded a priori. Petr Fiala, Foreign Affairs, 24 Apr. 2023 And this abstractness of Mr. Wilson is part of a curiously a priori metaphysical idealism. Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 6 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for a priori 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'a priori.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin ā priōrī literally, "from what is earlier"

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of a priori was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near a priori

Cite this Entry

“A priori.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20priori. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

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