a priori

a priori (eɪ praɪˈɔːraɪ, ɑː prɪˈɔːrɪ)

—*adj*
1.	logic relating to or involving deductive reasoning from a general principle to the expected facts or effects
2.	logic known to be true independently of or in advance of experience of the subject matter; requiring no evidence for its validation or support
3.	statistics prior probability See mathematical probability

[C18: from Latin, literally: from the previous (that is, from cause to effect)]

apriority

—n

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Word Origin & History

a priori

1710, "from cause to effect" (a logical term, in ref. to reasoning), from L., lit. "from what comes first," from priori, abl. of prior "first" (see prior (adj.)). Used loosely for "in accordance with previous knowledge" (1834).

Example sentences

Based on this, it cannot a priori be ruled out that we could do the same thing

with our legal system.

We do not want the Bulletin's editorials to degenerate into a mere repetition

of commonly held, but erroneous, a priori notions.

Now, let me say that I have a priori suspicions, prejudices mainly.

Of course this would be decided and announced a priori.

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Matching Quote

"The science of constructing a commonwealth, or renovating it, or reforming it, is, like every other experimental science, not to be taught a priori. Nor is it a short experience that can instruct us in that practical science, because the real effects of moral causes are not always immediate."

-Edmund Burke

a priori

a pri·o·ri