a priori

• POS: Adjective
• HYPHEN: a pri=o=ri

CIDE DICTIONARY

a priori,  [L. a (ab) + prior former.].

•  Characterizing that kind of reasoning which deduces consequences from definitions formed, or principles assumed, or which infers effects from causes previously known; deductive or deductively. The reverse of a posteriori.  [1913 Webster]
•  Applied to knowledge and conceptions assumed, or presupposed, as prior to experience, in order to make experience rational or possible.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

a priori, adj. & adv.
--adj.
1 (of reasoning) deductive; proceeding from causes to effects (opp. A POSTERIORI).
2 (of concepts, knowledge, etc.) logically independent of experience; not derived from experience (opp. EMPIRICAL).
3 not submitted to critical investigation (an a priori conjecture).
--adv.
1 in an a priori manner.
2 as far as one knows; presumptively.

Derivative

apriorism n.

Etymology

L, = from what is before

THESAURUS

a priori

a fortiori, a posteriori, analytic, back, backward, categorical, conditional, deducible, deductive, derivable, dialectic, discursive, dogmatic, early, enthymematic, epagogic, ex post facto, hypothetical, inductive, inferential, into the past, maieutic, reasoned, retroactive, retrospective, soritical, syllogistic, synthetic